Older men

Why are older men attracted to me I'm 17 (nearly 18) and I've noticed mostly middle aged guys around early/mid 30s are generally more attracted/ flirt more with me than guys my age. Why does this always happen to me? I wouldn't consider myself more physically developed than your avarage 18 year old although most of my friends say I look and act 'mature' or 'mature for my age'

Middle aged is like fifty

Why are older men attracted to me I'm 17 (nearly 18) and I've noticed mostly middle aged guys around early/mid 30s are generally more attracted/ flirt more with me than guys my age. Why does this always happen to me? I wouldn't consider myself more physically developed than your avarage 18 year old although most of my friends say I look and act 'mature' or 'mature for my age'

I don't know if you've ever seen that chart- its a record of what is the ideal age of women according to men. As it goes from 18-50 year old males, their preferences stay within the range of 18-22 year old females. their interest in young girls is creepily common, and these men essentially want someone they believe is easier to manipulate and someone they perceive to be 'dumber' due to their age. They find it hot that someone is 'barely legal' and still in school. They use the 'you're so mature for your age' as a buffer to what is basically paedophilia, so it raises less red flags for you when they speak to you. Don't worry about wanting to flirt back, the creepiness is from their end. Idk about you, but for me I just liked the attention and I thought it was cool that older men liked me at 16/17, but now I'm 20, and if I imagine myself at 25/30, I would never even think of going after a teenager. Honestly, if you really want to, harmless talking online for a bit is fine if you want to entertain it for your curiosity, but things like this escalate really quick, so id recommend never reciprocating in person.

I don't know if you've ever seen that chart- its a record of what is the ideal age of women according to men. As it goes from 18-50 year old males, their preferences stay within the range of 18-22 year old females. their interest in young girls is creepily common, and these men essentially want someone they believe is easier to manipulate and someone they perceive to be 'dumber' due to their age. They find it hot that someone is 'barely legal' and still in school. They use the 'you're so mature for your age' as a buffer to what is basically paedophilia, so it raises less red flags for you when they speak to you. Don't worry about wanting to flirt back, the creepiness is from their end. Idk about you, but for me I just liked the attention and I thought it was cool that older men liked me at 16/17, but now I'm 20, and if I imagine myself at 25/30, I would never even think of going after a teenager. Honestly, if you really want to, harmless talking online for a bit is fine if you want to entertain it for your curiosity, but things like this escalate really quick, so id recommend never reciprocating in person.

You might find that guys your age find you attractive as well, but don't have as much confidence to approach/flirt with you as someone with a few more years experience under their belt.
Although you did make me chuckle by calling early thirties "middle-aged"

I don't think that's necessarily true. Also being a uni student doesn't count as in school. I've left sixth form now and will be turning 18 soon so I will be an adult. Also it was my female friends who described me as mature not the guys. But yes I know what you mean. I think the guys who have flirted with me probably did so because of the sex appeal like you say but maybe some of them could genuinely want to get to know me better

Also forgot to mention I am mixed race and these men that have flirted with me have all been white.
To be 100% honest I would like to meet an older man after I turn 18 soon but I don't know how I could go about it. My friends have said to try dating apps but idk how safe the men are on there. Ideally I'd want to date someone 10+ years older than me. Anyone have any advice on that too?

I don't really relate to guys my age, I find them to be quite immature. I think another reason why Im attracted to men who are older than me is because throughout secondary school and sixth form I've been adultified by family members and by my teachers compared to girls from other ethnicities. I don't blame anyone for this as it's just society and stereotypes about race but I think there is a slight link with that too

You might find that guys your age find you attractive as well, but don't have as much confidence to approach/flirt with you as someone with a few more years experience under their belt.
Although you did make me chuckle by calling early thirties "middle-aged"

Oh no sorry I was totally under the assumption that you meant sixth form! I think its way different outside of school, like there's less boundaries, and age preferences are pretty flexible, so I think you're good. I'll still say that anyone around 30 approaching a 17 year old being flirtatious is weird, that's the bit that makes it creepy- not looks or anything. If its just a harmless compliment or conversation,no harm done. it's nice to talk to different people too

Oh, my parents are 11 years apart. My father, before meeting my mother, was married to someone his age and they didn't work out. Actually, most of the couples I know who have an age gap last longer and have a healthier relationship than the ones without a gap. Just my opinion though : )

Side note- I've often wanted to flirt back/ talk to these men but am afraid people will judge me and think that I am too young for him etc

Oh that's cool. I don't think an 11 year age gap is bad at all. It probably complements better than ages too close of ages

I don't know if you've ever seen that chart- its a record of what is the ideal age of women according to men. As it goes from 18-50 year old males, their preferences stay within the range of 18-22 year old females. their interest in young girls is creepily common, and these men essentially want someone they believe is easier to manipulate and someone they perceive to be 'dumber' due to their age. They find it hot that someone is 'barely legal' and still in school. They use the 'you're so mature for your age' as a buffer to what is basically paedophilia, so it raises less red flags for you when they speak to you. Don't worry about wanting to flirt back, the creepiness is from their end. Idk about you, but for me I just liked the attention and I thought it was cool that older men liked me at 16/17, but now I'm 20, and if I imagine myself at 25/30, I would never even think of going after a teenager. Honestly, if you really want to, harmless talking online for a bit is fine if you want to entertain it for your curiosity, but things like this escalate really quick, so id recommend never reciprocating in person.