The boy next door

Romance across the generations is often greeted with a bit of a chuckle, as society hasn’t quite accepted that oay/September liaisons can work. I think there should be more of them as love has very little to do with age…

Dear Wendyl, The guy I live next door to has become a really close friend. We both have kids the same age and are both solo parents. We would like to get closer and have discussed it often over a few too many drinks, but I’m concerned about our age difference. I’m 45 and he’s only 28. He doesn’t mind at all but I just can’t let myself get involved because I’m afraid he’ll find me unattractive and boring after a while. Yet I really want to be with him. What should I do? Terry, Rotorua

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Dear Terry, I have no doubt that younger men find older women attractive, so I am not surprised that your neighbour is into you. I think there are two things you need to consider. First, love and relationships are more about shared values, goals, interests, beliefs and that sort of thing, so if you are ticking the boxes on all those, there’s a strong chance this could be a good experience for you. Second, you need to ask yourself if this man will still want to be with you when you are 65, perhaps in failing health or just slowing down a little. If the answer is yes, then I say go for it. Life is too short to spend it alone and you deserve to find some happiness. And as the mother of a blended family, I think your kids would love it too.Wendyl