DearSugar -- Just ask.

Where Do You Stand? Friends of Different Ages

DearSugar — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 13:00:00 -0700

Throughout college and even after, my friends were all in the same age range, but over time I've found that the ages of my friends drastically vary. I've grown closer to the younger siblings of my friends, but also befriended women who are closer to my mom’s age than my own. And frankly, I appreciate the variation.

It’s reassuring to have a woman in my life who’s already been through it all tell me I’m going to be OK, and likewise, my younger friends remind me that being idealistic is a good thing! So where do you stand when it comes to having friends who are much older or younger than you? Are you for it? Or do you find it strange?

Source

You Asked: I Only Attract Much Older Men

DearSugar — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 17:00:00 -0700

Dear Sugar,

I am a young, college student who is comfortable in her own skin. However, I seem to only be pursued by men that are much older than me. Guys my age just seem to look straight past me, while older men always show interest in me. I find this a little creepy and can't help but wonder if there's something wrong with me. I'm a pretty girl by most standards, in good shape, and wear the same clothes as other girls my age. Physically, there's no reason why a young guy shouldn't be looking at me. There just seems to be something about my aura that only attracts older men.

Admittedly, I'm usually attracted to guys a little but older than myself, and when I really like someone, it has always been reciprocal. I'm not worried that I'll never meet anyone, but it bothers me that younger guys don't seem to notice me. Is there something wrong with me, and if so, what should I change?

— Older Men Only Marissa

To see DearSugar's answer,

Dear Poll: When The Roles Are Reversed, Does Age Still Matter?

DearSugar — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 13:00:00 -0700

News of 39 year-old Rachel Hunter and 26 year-old Canadian ice hockey player Jarret Stoll's engagement has just hit the wire. While dating out of your age bracket is nothing new, the woman being the older part of the equation isn't as common. Though most of you feel a ten to 20 year age difference is too far of a gap, does your opinion change when it's the woman who's older? I know it's a double standard, but it just feels more scandalous when the man is dating a much younger woman. I could be way off on this one, so tell me, when the roles are reversed, does a big age difference still matter when it comes to relationships? Source

Dear Poll: When The Roles Are Reversed, Does Age Still Matter?

Yes, I agree with you Dear, it seems more acceptable when it's the woman who is older than the man.

No, an age difference is an age difference no matter how you look at it.

Other — Please explain.

Handle This: Dating Someone 20 Years Older

DearSugar — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 12:00:00 -0700

You’ve been close with your best friend since you were kids, and you’ve witnessed her love life every step of the way. After a difficult end to a doomed engagement, she’s been having a hard time moving on.

Next thing you know she’s taken up with a man 20 years older than her. He spoils her rotten, and seems to care about her deeply. You know some people think that age is just a number, but something about their relationship dosen’t sit right with you — from what you know, it seems like he’s made a habit out of dating young women. Now she’s confiding in you that she sees herself marrying him, so how do you handle this?

Source

Dear Poll: Do You Date Men That Are Older, Younger, or Your Age?

DearSugar — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 14:00:00 -0700

When you imagine the perfect boyfriend, I'm sure many characteristics come to mind, but in all fairness, age is a pretty big one, too. I see couples that differ in age all the time, and though the jury is still out on whether or not it's a good idea, I guess it's inevitable. Of course everyone has their own preference and people mature at different paces, but when it comes to your relationships, do you prefer to date someone older than you, younger than you, or your exact same age? Source

Dear Poll: Do You Date Men That Are Older, Younger, or Your Age?

Older — I like men that are more experienced than me. Maturity goes a long way in my book.

Younger — I like to wear the pants so younger is better for me!

Same Age — I want to experience everything for the same time with my significant other.

You Asked: Is He Too Immature For Me?

DearSugar — Thu, 29 May 2008 17:00:00 -0700

Dear Sugar,

I am 26, have a great job, and live on my own. I have been dating a guy for seven months now who is 23, lives with his parents, goes to college, and works full time. It's not his emotional maturity that I'm concerned about, rather his place in life. He's never been on his own and he's cheap, which is one of the reasons I think he's never moved out.

We go out to eat sometimes but I always feel awkward because I don't know who should pay — though he does offer frequently. I cook a lot for us, but he never pitches in on groceries — I don't ask him to. He never says "thank you" or helps clean up. He also says he's going to get me things, but doesn't follow through. He just got a new car, but he has very few bills to pay outside of that. He doesn't pay rent, buy groceries, or pay for school. He's never been on his own so I don't know if he'll always be like this or if he just needs to experience things to appreciate them.

On the flip side, he mentions our future together all the time. He got me a nice gift for Christmas and my birthday. He's a very sweet guy — he's always affectionate, polite, and makes me laugh. I think he has good intentions, but he's in desperate need of guidance. I don't want to be a nag but I feel like I put more into the relationship than he does. I guess I have standards and he's not meeting them. I know good guys are hard to find and I would really like to make it work, but I think I need more. Am I being selfish? Are we just in two different stages in life? Will he grow out of this? Please help!

— More Mature Marian

To see DearSugar's answer,

You Asked: I'm Dating My Professor

DearSugar — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 17:00:00 -0700

Dear Sugar,

I started seeing an awesome guy a few months ago. We have great conversations and our sexual relationship is amazing. Unfortunately, there are a few issues. For one, he is twice my age (I’m 24), and he also happens to be one of my college professors. The problem now is that somebody has told the college that he and I have a very "close" relationship and he's received a warning about getting involved with a student even though I'm more than consenting of our relationship.

He’s worried about his job, but I don’t want to lose him. He wants to end things with me but I want be selfish and ask him if we can stay together even if it means that we only spend time together on weekends, and avoid going out in public, and never interact on campus. What should I do?

— Dangerous Liaisons Lucy

To see DearSugar's answer,

You Asked: How Do I Tell Him I'm Still a Virgin?

DearSugar — Tue, 15 Jan 2008 17:00:00 -0800

Dear Sugar,

I am currently romantically involved with a much older man. I am 18-years-old and he is almost 31. It may seem like a large gap, but we honestly have so much in common and I've never been happier. The problem is that I'm still a virgin, and he's had three serious relationships that I know of. I told him I wasn't ready for sex, but I never told him that I'm actually a virgin. He's respected my wishes, but lately he's been putting more pressure on me. I feel like I'm ready for the next step, but I'm not sure how to take it. How do I tell him my situation without scaring him away?

— Young But Ready Debbie

To see DearSugar's answer

Dear Poll: Does Age Matter in Hollywood Relationships?

DearSugar — Mon, 07 Jan 2008 16:00:00 -0800

Age gaps between Hollywood couples are nothing new, hello Lance and Ashley, Ashton and Demi, even Brian Austin Green and Megan Fox, but for some reason, it doesn't seem like that big of a deal when you're a celebrity — am I wrong? Perhaps it has something to do with their fast-paced life in the limelight or all the experience they have under their belt, I don't know, but this new couple sure has people talking. Hayden Panettiere, 18, and Milo Ventimiglia, 30 were rumored to be dating, but according to these new pictures, it looks as though their secret is out. I'm sure you all have your opinions on age differences in relationships, but what I want to know is, do you think it matters as much when you're a celebrity? Source

Dear Poll: Does Age Matter in Hollywood Relationships?

Yes. It doesn't matter if you're famous or not, a 30-year-old just shouldn't be with an 18-year-old.

No. Celebrites age at a difference pace. As long as they're with someone they can trust, I don't think age is relevant.

Other: Please share!

Dear Poll: Have You Ever Had a Secret Lover?

DearSugar — Mon, 19 Nov 2007 07:00:00 -0800

Lance Armstrong and Ashley Olsen are still denying reports of a romantic relationship even though they've supposedly been spotted all over New York sucking face! Now, if I were Ashley, there's no way I'd be able to keep mum about my relationship, but of course celebrity relationships are those of a different breed. Their denial got me thinking about real life relationships. People keep new romances under wraps for all types of reasons, everything from getting back with an ex to dating someone else's cast aways, so ladies, tell me, have you ever had a secret lover? Source

Dear Poll: Have You Ever Had a Secret Lover?

Yes - Everyday was a total thrill!

No - I would never date someone I wasn't proud to share with the world.

Other - Please share!

What Age Difference Is Too Much?

DearSugar — Thu, 01 Nov 2007 09:00:32 -0700

When I read the news that Ashley Olsen and Lance Armstrong were spotted out on the town, I was a little shocked. Not only do they seem like an odd couple, but there's also quite an age difference between them: She is 21, and he is 36. Do you think a 15-year age difference in a relationship is too big? If not, what age difference is too large?Source

What Age Difference Is Too Much?

More than five years

Five to 10 years

Ten to 20 years

Twenty years or more

No age difference is too big!

Other (tell me below)