Yours truly met “Tyke” not too long ago. “Tyke” was someone who caught my eye at a Fourth of July party earlier this summer. He had a nice sense of humor, personality, and a smile to die for. 
The Fourth of July party was announced through an e-mail that was sent to the guests. When “Tyke” sent an e-mail back to the hosts thanking them for the party, he sent it as a “Reply to All.” When I had seen his name signed in the e-mail, I quickly learned what his e-mail address was. I then sent him an e-mail just saying how nice it was to meet him and that I had hoped to see him in the future. His response was a cordial but “empty” one. I didn’t want to think anything more “into it.” Well, I ran into him again at another function two weeks ago. It was great to see him, but he was there with his best (female) friend. I didn’t know what to make of it in the beginning. What came to mind was my relationship with Guy from a few years back who had a best (female) friend that he actually roomed with and at times she always felt like a “third person” in our relationship. By the end of the night, “Tyke” was almost off my “radar” as far as a potential partner.
Then to my surprise, “Tyke” sent me an e-mail last weekend stating that he would like to go out to dinner with me and “how did I feel about that?” I told him that it sounded like a great idea, that he can give me a telephone call and we can schedule a dinner out together. I gave him my phone number and I heard from him the following evening. I was blown away by some of the things he had said and due to my own issues of “self worth”, I would ask myself why he would be saying such things. We’re going out to dinner this Friday.
The one thing that came to mind when I last saw him was when I could deduce from conversations how old (or young) he was. I estimated that “Tyke” is at least ten years younger than me. I’ve always felt comfortable dating older men, but I can’t recall ever dating a younger man. Not that younger men are a “turn off”, but it was always by coincidence. And now there is “Tyke” who could have some real potential.
Is age something that I should let bother me? Is this something that is only someone else’s problem? I recall dating Jim last year who is ten years older than me. I didn’t have an issue with the age difference, but would others have an issue was my worry. I always “heard” Mom in the back of my mind asking me why I would settle for someone so much older when I could find someone my own age. So is someone who is aged 28-30 (or maybe even younger) too young for a 41 year-old? I think I’ll just have to gauge where Friday and beyond takes us and not worry about the age difference for now.
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It’s way too early to worry about compatibility for anything long term when you’ve only run into him a couple of times. (Yeah, yeah, I know. Hope springs eternal.)
Just go have some fun and a bit to eat, baby. That’s all you can do.
But as far as age goes, the more you’re in life, the more you realize that age is only a concern of the irritatingly young. Assuming he has any life experience (or any soul at all), 28 is plenty old. He’s a grown man.
p.s. – ignore the first e-mail address. sorry about that.
Hey, it’s not an issue any more than someone ten or more years older would be. Or, your very own age, for that matter. Each and every person, and age group, comes with their own unique differences. I say, go for it!
15 years old would be a problem. 28-30ish definitely isn’t. Enjoy getting to know him, and don’t do anything I wouldn’t do.
Oh, so so good to see your new entry! I’ve been waiting!
Have fun this Friday. Oright, don’t let the age thing bother you. I was quite like you when it came to dating someone older than me, that was most of my dates way back when. Then it came Alec and he’s 8 years younger. I had a bit of doubts but the important thing is: Give it a chance. Have a great time and eat plenty!
Again, great to read you Steven!
Steven… the age is soooooo not an issue! Ask yourself this “how old would I be if I didn’t know how old I was?” You strike me as a young spirit. Live it up and enjoy life and love! HUGS
Give it a shot! Age isn’t as important as all the other things that make a relationship work.
I was 26 years old and Greg was 38 when we met. That was very nearly 17 wonderful years ago. Relax Steven, the age difference was not a problem for us and likely won’t be one for you either.
Just enjoy the evening and don’t worry about age or other numbers. What’s far more important is… do you both click.
So nice to see you back in the blogosphere, Steven.
I loved bridgeout’s comment ““how old would I be if I didn’t know how old I was?” Chronological age is just a number. Relax and enjoy sharing a meal with new possibilities.
I enjoyed not only reading your post but also the comments, and I agree with them. If we’re talking jail bait age here, then, yes, run from Tyke for your life!! *grin* But I’m sure you’re not talking *that* young!
First of all, I would throw my weight, on the side of those who tell you not to worry about age differences at this stage. Go to dinner. Have fun! Enjoy! Don’t put the cart before the horse.
And if he is as nice as he seems, if he turns out to be your Mr. Right (and you, his), then for goodness’ sake, go for it! There is so little love in our world, do not reject it when it is handed to you!
As for anyone else who has a problem with it – *anyone* – ignore ‘em all!
You’re right to at least think about the age difference, as it sometimes presents a challenge with respect to likes/dislikes and life experience. But that being said, I have met people who ACTED 15 years older and/or younger than their age, so how a person ACTS can have as big an impact as their actual age.
I recommend you have dinner with Tyke and get to know him a little, without thinking too much about his age just yet. See how the two of you relate/connect. Then you’ll know what to do.
Just take it as it comes. If you find yourselves compatible and developing into a loving relationship then age will become irrelevant.
In my opinion, the older one gets the less age becomes a factor in the relationship. Go for it and have fun!
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Don’t let age get in the way of a relationship, even if it turns out to be only the friend kind. Have fun, enjoy the evening, and just get to know him.
I know I am weighing in far too late my friend, but don’t sweat the age, learn the person.