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Is it strange that I (18f) am dating my boyfriend (23m)

I started going out with my boyfriend(22m) about two months ago. It’s been great we get along splendid and there’s seems to be no issues with us. However, how we met was through my highschool band. He was a coach over my section all four years. We didn’t start hanging out or talking as formed until months after I had graduated and turned 18. Personally, I don’t see any problem with it. We’re both adults and can make decisions for ourselves. However, some people in my boyfriend’s life are very open about how they feel towards the age difference. We are open and talk about it when he needs. But he still occasionally feels like a creeper.

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Reply 1

Original post
by Anonymous
I started going out with my boyfriend(22m) about two months ago. It’s been great we get along splendid and there’s seems to be no issues with us. However, how we met was through my highschool band. He was a coach over my section all four years. We didn’t start hanging out or talking as formed until months after I had graduated and turned 18. Personally, I don’t see any problem with it. We’re both adults and can make decisions for ourselves. However, some people in my boyfriend’s life are very open about how they feel towards the age difference. We are open and talk about it when he needs. But he still occasionally feels like a creeper.

It's definitely strange. Even though your both adults, you met when you were not an adult and either way there's a big difference between 18 and 23.

Reply 2

Plainly, Yes it’s weird that he wants to date u, coming from someone his age with siblings your age.
I was 17, he was 24.
I'm now 41 and he's 48. We've been married coming up 20 years and have 4 kids together.

So as a personal anecdote for some people it can work.

As you say you are both adults. It's more to do with mindset and what sort of life you've both had - has he been living with his parents whereas have you been more independent? In which case you'll be more mature and him more immature than your ages, for example.

Reply 4

I dated a guy 11 years older than me when I was just a little older than you (20-21). It can be OK, depending on the couple.

Reply 5

Original post
by Anonymous
I started going out with my boyfriend(22m) about two months ago. It’s been great we get along splendid and there’s seems to be no issues with us. However, how we met was through my highschool band. He was a coach over my section all four years. We didn’t start hanging out or talking as formed until months after I had graduated and turned 18. Personally, I don’t see any problem with it. We’re both adults and can make decisions for ourselves. However, some people in my boyfriend’s life are very open about how they feel towards the age difference. We are open and talk about it when he needs. But he still occasionally feels like a creeper.

Your both adults and there was no personal interaction whilst you were in school so its fine, don't worry about what others think people will always judge others for anything they deem abnormal

Reply 6

Original post
by Anonymous
I started going out with my boyfriend(22m) about two months ago. It’s been great we get along splendid and there’s seems to be no issues with us. However, how we met was through my highschool band. He was a coach over my section all four years. We didn’t start hanging out or talking as formed until months after I had graduated and turned 18. Personally, I don’t see any problem with it. We’re both adults and can make decisions for ourselves. However, some people in my boyfriend’s life are very open about how they feel towards the age difference. We are open and talk about it when he needs. But he still occasionally feels like a creeper.

It is not strange and it is stupid for people to think that.

An 18 year old can be in the first year of uni while a 22/23 year old can be in the final year of a undergrad degree with placement year. Are people saying a uni student cannot date another uni student? The level of idiocy is incredible.

Please live your life and focus on your relationship. Good luck.

Reply 7

I think it's so dependent on the individual's maturity level. I'm 21 and felt connected with a 17, soon to be, 18 year old who is in her first year of university. I'm a little further down the career path than her but besides that there's not too difference. I think it also depends on the older guys intentions and heart. If he is genuine and earnest then sure, go for it. I would get to know him for a while to see his true character and colours to see if there is any chance you could be getting groomed.

Reply 8

Groomed? she is 18 not 8

Reply 9

Age doesn't matter at this stage.
What matters more is life experience and approach. With such a difference so early it may cause some problems sometimes.
My partner is 8 years younger than me. We are fine. She's even more mature than I am sometimes.
It is completely personal and individual. I wouldn't say it won't work or it is strange, just that it is unusual at your age.

Reply 10

Original post
by Anonymous
I started going out with my boyfriend(22m) about two months ago. It’s been great we get along splendid and there’s seems to be no issues with us. However, how we met was through my highschool band. He was a coach over my section all four years. We didn’t start hanging out or talking as formed until months after I had graduated and turned 18. Personally, I don’t see any problem with it. We’re both adults and can make decisions for ourselves. However, some people in my boyfriend’s life are very open about how they feel towards the age difference. We are open and talk about it when he needs. But he still occasionally feels like a creeper.

He's known you since you were 14 and he 18? And he was in a position of power over you as a coach???
Am I getting this right? 😭

Reply 11

Original post
by elareare
He's known you since you were 14 and he 18? And he was in a position of power over you as a coach???
Am I getting this right? 😭

I don't see anything wrong with that. As long as he has done nothing illegal and immoral. If a guy waited 4 years it is more likely he has serious feelings for the girl... I actually see this as a good sign.

Reply 12

Original post
by Kathy89
I don't see anything wrong with that. As long as he has done nothing illegal and immoral. If a guy waited 4 years it is more likely he has serious feelings for the girl... I actually see this as a good sign.

It is not advised for anyone who was in a position of power to date someone even after the student has left school.

Reply 13

Original post
by Muttley79
It is not advised for anyone who was in a position of power to date someone even after the student has left school.

I don't see what's wrong with that?! She's no longer his student and he is no longer in a position of power. As long as he is not showing any power towards her or doing anything unpleasant or illegal I don't think it is wrong.

Reply 14

Original post
by Kathy89
I don't see what's wrong with that?! She's no longer his student and he is no longer in a position of power. As long as he is not showing any power towards her or doing anything unpleasant or illegal I don't think it is wrong.
Well teachers have been banned for similar - he was in a position of power in the past and that has been enough.

Reply 15

Original post
by Muttley79
Well teachers have been banned for similar - he was in a position of power in the past and that has been enough.
I would like to hear those "similar" stories. Because a guy would not just wait 3 years to play. I looks like they both aiming for a serious relationship.


Spoiler

(edited 2 months ago)

Reply 16

Reply 17

Original post
by Kathy89
I don't see anything wrong with that. As long as he has done nothing illegal and immoral. If a guy waited 4 years it is more likely he has serious feelings for the girl... I actually see this as a good sign.
she was a child when they met and his waiting was not romantic but grooming.

Reply 18

Original post
by s.e.i
she was a child when they met and his waiting was not romantic but grooming.
I would say just keep an eye on other red flags. The age difference and that he was in a position of power is not enough to accuse him of anything wrong.

Reply 19

Original post
by Kathy89
I would say just keep an eye on other red flags. The age difference and that he was in a position of power is not enough to accuse him of anything wrong.

gurl im so sorry but like the definition of grooming is waiting for them to become legal to date

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