My husband is 4 years old, we've known each other since I was 17 and been dating since I was 19. So I personally don't see the problem with either gender as long as he's mature and would say so in both directions. Of course if the older person is a user/abuser, doesn't have a job, blah blah blah, yeah, that would be a problem in either direction.

I personally don't like the idea, but your son is old enough to make his own decisions on whom he should date.

Anonymous wrote:This is your worst nightmare? Not a car accident, cancer, suicide, home burning down, alien invasion? Your almost-18 year old dating a woman 5 years older?

Get a grip, lady.

Indeed.

Cut the chord Mom. Please

Anonymous wrote:
I'm honestly curious... How many people here would be so open to this relationship if the roles were reversed and it was a 22 year old man with a 17 year old girl?

It's not (to me) a question of being open or not open to the relationship. It's a question of, realistically, what can the mother do, without damaging her relationship with her child?

For what it's worth, I dated a 23-year-old man when I was a 17-year-old girl. Nothing bad happened, as far as I know.

My advice to a daughter in this situation would be the same as a son. I would remind my child that very few people end up with someone they dated at 17, especially if there was an age difference involved, and that an older partner is unlikely to be looking at someone their age as serious relationship material. It can be an enjoyable and enlightening relationship nonetheless, but it is important to be upfront about your desires and limits (sexual and otherwise) and watch out for signs of manipulation or disrespect on the part of the older partner.

17 could still be high school while 22 is post-college. I find it odd that someone out of school would want to date a high schooler. There's a whole lot of growing that happens in those years!

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Um, this is every 17 year old boys dream come true. Mom, don't shatter it. Just make sure he is using protection.

I'm honestly curious... How many people here would be so open to this relationship if the roles were reversed and it was a 22 year old man with a 17 year old girl?

Honestly it all depends on the character and maturity of both. At 17, I would trust my daughter in this situation more than my son, just because he's still quite naive and she's very mature for her age. I remember being 19 and dating a man 18 years older than I was... who became my husband. You can never generalize, but remain vigilant always.

Anonymous wrote:Um, this is every 17 year old boys dream come true. Mom, don't shatter it. Just make sure he is using protection.

I'm honestly curious... How many people here would be so open to this relationship if the roles were reversed and it was a 22 year old man with a 17 year old girl?

This is any teenage boy's dream...having an older hot GF.