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15 year age gap, in older age

(32 Posts)
ellisro Sun 28-Feb-21 09:20:43

A few years ago I met a man, and we had a brief fling. It resulted in an unplanned pregnancy due to failed birth control. Against all my expectations it blossomed into a good friendship, relationship and then engagement. I am 30 and he is 45. Although I never thought I would have such a large age gap, life really did just happen and he’s a great partner and an amazing father. We are very happy despite an unconventional start.

However I am overcome with anxiety as our wedding approaches, I am an overthinker, and I worry about when I am 55 and he’s 70. When I am 65 and he’s 80. I worry the gap will catch up with us.

I guess as a mistake, I googled too much and found horror story after horror story of women feeling they had wasted their youth, grown old before their time, spent their best years caring for older men, the advice just seemed to be a resounding don’t do it. Find someone your own age.

I probably could find someone my own age, but they wouldn’t be the father of my son. I hope that perhaps, it’s only the people with negative stories who go online and post warnings. I guess I perhaps want a more positive, still realistic few of what this may be like later in life. Will I really regret marrying this man?

Tangerine Sun 28-Feb-21 17:59:30

Even if, when you are 55 and he is 70, things begin to unravel, you will still have had 25 happy years with him.

Go for it if everything else is good within the relationship. Yes, it is possible that you may have to do a lot for him when he ages but it is not certain.

If you were 55 now and he was 70, I might say "think carefully" because he would be nearing old age right now.

I wish you well.

M0nica Sun 28-Feb-21 18:36:12

Of course the internet will be full of horrors and disasters. Happy endings are all rather dull (in that context).

This man is someone you are happy with, you tal about all the things that make marriage work - friendship, a great partner, amazing Dad to your shared child.

I think most of us have a panic about whether we are doing the right thing in the lead up to the wedding. I certainly did and so did most of my friends. It seems such a big step and (theoretically) irrevocable. I actually think that is quite a good thing.

No one knows what may happen tomorrow, let alone next year, the next decade or 50 years hence . I mean - who forsaw COVID and its effects.

Someone has already quoted Joan Collins' famous words on marrying a man 30 years her junior. What more can on say?

ellisro Mon 01-Mar-21 14:17:22

Thank you all for your input.

V3ra Mon 01-Mar-21 15:06:35

I think your main problem is comparing your settled family life to your single friends party lifestyle.
If you split up from your fiancé you wouldn't be footloose and fancy free like them, you'd be a single parent trying to balance work and childcare. Not a better option.
I'd say fast forward five years or so and these friends could well be worrying about their biological clock running out for them to have a baby.

At 30 you're not too young to be a mum, plus you still have plenty of years to pursue your career as and when you're ready to do so but with solid support behind you. Lucky lady!
You say you feel "at home" with your fiancé. That's where the heart is remember. Enjoy your wedding ?

Puzzled Tue 02-Mar-21 10:57:44

Carpe diem! Seize the day!
Don't be impetuous, and make mistakes, but ponder and then act.
You sound to be happy, so relish your love for each other.
I have seen folk who are FAR older than their years and are a drag! And others who are young at heart!
(The 93 y o who insisted that her buggy had to be metallic red, not plain black!)
Life is for living! Not cultivating Job's comforters.
Go for it

Peasblossom Tue 02-Mar-21 11:27:32

Worrying too much, way too much about him being 75.

Can’t say any more. I have a sudden urge to grab my 76 year old and take him to bed!

(Not for a nap ?)