h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Get out now. It sounds like she started this, and I'm sorry but she's not really in a position to know herself very well yet.

You're 23 - you've learnt a bit of patience and perspective in life by now. Wait two years, preferably four. If she's still interested in you - fine. If there is going to be something long term between you, then it can afford t wait 24 months. Or it may be that by the time she's 18 you both feel you had avery lucky escape.

Cloviscat - older than her husband by... Ok - 2 months six days

My parents are separated by a whole 8 months or so...

OK..For this situation, I just performed a soothsaying ritual of seeing which song comes up on the mp3 random..the results: Tori Amos - Crucify. That should settle it right there.

Seriously. Back off it. Girls that age think they know what's going on. The truth is, they don't - they're much too likely to form unreasoning attachments, etc. No, no, no..and Il Viag can kiss my a$$ . Besides..you're not going to end up with that girl. That's just the way it is, so play it like you have some logic.

And would VIP appreciate your comment? Be nice.

Oh, but for me, by the way...any 35-yr-old men out there? *lascivious grin*

I would agree with a previous comment- at 16 you think you know what's going on, but you don't. I'd be wary unless she continues to make it obvious. If she does, you then have to decide whether she's genuinely interested or just flirting to catch you, just to prove to either herself or others that she can. I did it myself once. (that's not you, by the way- he was older )

Do you like her? Does she excite you? That's the only real question here. Answer it, and clear it with mummy. 'tis better to regret something you've done than something you've not.
And now if you'll excuse me while I kiss nyssabird's ass.

Must admit, I'm with the ass-kisser above on this one.

*lol* That's a fine job..now if only you were 35..

Sorry, girl. I'm much too young for you.

It's too bad really..you're the only researcher within driving distance. *feigned sigh of resignation*

Well there's Sir Phil Rose up in Bellingham. In his thirties, I believe, but married unfortunately.

Wow! B's personal life throws up something other than rude innuendo...

Thanks for the advice, everyone - all comments taken on board.

I have to say (and this'll surprise her, because I never usually agree with her), that I am more inclined to accept Cloviscat's point of view. It's been hammered home to me recently that many 18- and 21- year-olds don't know what they're talking about regarding relationships, and that gets magnified exponentially for someone of 16. My big problem is how to smooth things out with her, and remain friends of the family. She's very close to her Mum, btw, so anything I tell her is likely to (eventually) get fed back.

Oh, and VIP: I know! You told me, like, 8 times.

B

Yes, but she hadn't told *us*, so maybe we appreciate the clarification, wording notwithstanding. So chill!

B

I know I told you, but I had to get you back on this thread somehow...

I know a couple, He is 40, she is 21 and they have just had a baby boy. The age gap was not that apparent to me. My parents have a 7 year age gap. But then again, they met in thier 30's.

Master B, are you actually interested in her, or just flattered by the attention of a nubile young girl?

I don't think B said she was nubile.So on a purely academic note does she incline more towards Laetitia Casta or Anne Widdicombe?

If you're genuinely interested in her, and her in you, then I would 'proceed with caution'. If she, or you, are simply looking for a shag, then go find it elsewhere- there are plenty of other possibilities for both of you, ones that don't involve the minefield of family friends.

Having said that, if you really are interested, and she *is* mature enough, and you do have stuff in common, then it may well be worth the risk. Hell, 7 years? piffle. I'm 20, Bruce is 44, we first started going out when I was 18, two and a bit years later, we're living together and still going strong.

So go out for a drink, if you think it's worth a shot, and start out slow. Don't forget, however, that there will be awkwardness if it doesn't work out...

Hear hear KerrAvon, I agree, as the mother of a 14 year old girl I would not object to her, when she is 16, "going out with" a 23 year old but I would certainly not expect the 23 year old to be wanting anything "squelchy" as someone so beautifully put it.

Or is this naive?

16 year olds vary so incredibly - some I am sure could be way more "dangerous" than some 23 year olds!!!