Age difference

Ramblingrose, he said his wife died a couple of years ago, and he took early retirement and came to England where his daughters live.
He dresses beautifully and drives a nice car.
I think he is better off than I am.

I am 68. I go on daring sites. I would not go out with someone younger than 60. Friendship is different though. Have you asked other church goers what they know about him?

beat say

I know one gentleman who used to do the rounds of churches looking for ladies. He finally found the right church and the right person .......... He married the lady minister. Works for some!

Well said GabriellaG. Life is too short for us all to be over suspicious. Being sensible is enough. Best of luck!

What are your gut feelings? They're usually to be trusted. Look before you leap would be my advice but why not enjoy getting to know a new friend, it doesn't have to lead to romance if you're not interested in a new partner.

Keep your wits about you and just go with the flow! Don’t over think it.

Enjoy!....while staying safe in ways others have suggested. I have had many male friends over the years, one in particular was much younger than I. This one could have gone further had I not been married. It stopped when I realised he reminded me of my husband as a young man and I put the feelings back where they belonged.... DH knew about ALL my friendships too....

Italian men are known to be very good to their mothers so I am sure you will be safe enough with him, subject to sensible precautions on your part regarding meeting in public places etc.
As you are a writer, who knows, this could give you the plot for another novel?

My DH is 13 years younger than me.
Vive la Difference!
We're unbeatable at pop quizzes!

If you'd like some male company then go for it BUT if he ever asks for money dump him quick.

MawBroon, thank you for your suggestion. I am now into my second book but who knows, the next one could be about age difference.

My brother married a woman 15 years younger. Sadly the marriage didn't work out. Mainly because he already had two children and she was young enough to want her own children. I don't think this problem will arise with you!

Go for it annaram just enjoy his company and be sensible. Don't over think this, we are all entitled to some fun in life. Good luck

Ooo the gigalo, go for it, age is just a number.
My gd is 18 her bf is 28 what can I say.

If you don’t want him, send him to me!

As others have posted, I'd be careful, not just of this guy but anyone new in your life - I'd take things slowly whether it was a friendship or any other sort of relationship. That said, maybe he is new to the area and looking to make friends, maybe he saw you as the most approachable of the group or maybe he is attracted to you. You say you look younger than your age - perhaps he does too. Anyway, I wouldn't worry too much about any potential age gap as a lot of people have great relationships with quite big age differences - if you get on well, can trust each other, have common interests or can accept each doing their own chosen activities/hobbies etc then why worry about age? I'm only 5 years older than my partner of 30+ years and am glad I worked through initial doubts/worries. Just keep your guard up but allow yourself to be happy, to make new friends, and who knows, maybe a relationship with a good-looking, sexy-voiced Italian. Good luck if you do go on a date.

I only go to church once or twice a month, Church is for religious reasons not for dating. I am wondering whether to go on Sunday. If I do, my friends will think it is because of Mario. If I don't, he may well find someone better....

Decisions, decisions!

Wait and see if he does ask you out - but, as others have already said, just be careful and, if the conversation turns to loans of money or similar, step away and don't get involved any further.

there is a general rule than max 10 years differencein age gap is ok,there are lots of exceptions of course. ive a friend who is 70 im 63, could the friendship turn into a relationship? I don't know .with a bigger age gap,you came from a different era.i think relationships are hard enough why make it more difficult? also he has only smiled and had a chat with you,why
do you think he wants more?

Go for it and enjoy yourself. Life’s too short.
You must let us know how you go on.

Don't let the friends sit and gossip! Introduce him, tell him a little something about each person - and introduce him to others you know at church.- Tell them what you know about him etc - keep it open, light and friendly. Then - when you know a bit more about him, and he knows about you and your life... IF it develops into a closer friendship fine. THE RULES still apply whatever your ages. If you have never read it read it now - how to have a happy life, be a nice person, and keep yourself safe.

I tend to go by my gut instinct, if yours tells you he seems an ok sort of man, then continue the friendship and see where it leads. Really age is just a number if you are mentally in tune with each other. You could find that a romance blossoms from this or just good friendship.

Just play it by ear.
Good luck.

If you own your own property, be very careful. He might be looking for a roof over his head. I'm not saying it's a given but say no if this is the case. A partner as such does not need to live with you for long these days before they have some entitlement to the shared property. But good luck. I hope he is genuine.