I’ve never dated someone with this much of an age difference before. I know age has little to do with if a guy is abusive or not, (usually if they are, they just are...), but an opportunity presented itself by an attractive guy whose intentions were pretty much clear from the start, and seems like a really decent guy. I’d only just begun moving on from my abusive ex (we’ll call him Jimmy). It was about a month after my two-year relationship with Jimmy ended that the guy I’m currently seeing got in touch with me. We’d crossed each others’ paths in the past, but it never evolved into anything until this time around. We’ve kept it pretty platonic aside from goodnight kisses at the ends of our dates (which I find admirable, considering most men would expect much more by date #4). The only thing is, I think the age difference is making me uncomfortable, even at a subconscious level. He’s amazing. Funny, sweet, a great listener (I babble.......a lot. He’s just really easy to talk to, and I’m an open book.) etc.

Our age difference is 9 years. He seemed taken back by it but it when I told him how old I am, but doesn’t seem to have bothered him. I’m 22, he’s 31. It’s not like it’s that big of a deal, but I think I’m intimidated by more than the age difference. I’ve always put myself into situations where I feel that I’m the one that deserves better — so that I don’t have any insecurities..... as shitty as that sounds.... I’m incredibly conflicted by this whole thing, but maybe I’m over thinking it? I mean, we’ve only been seeing each other for about a month now, and we’re taking things really slow. Why do I feel uncomfortable? What should I do to make myself more comfortable?

We haven’t had any conversations about what exactly we are, which is nice because any added pressure would probably make my head explode, but I wouldn’t feel comfortable bringing any of this up to him....