how young is too young??

i think age matters on a sliding scale.  42 and 30 i don't think is a big deal, but 30 and 18 obviously would be.  as you get older, the acceptable age range opens up.  i think you should go more by life experience than age...because that's going to play a big factor in compatibility/companionship.

unless you are just looking for pizza, then i say do what you want.

The secret formula is =  Half your age + 7....There you go

It took six years being with my wife, but the formula finally works for me last year!

 wow that is 28 exactly....   very freaky..

so i should be dating a 38 year old?  that seems too old for me.  i heart algebra.

I say life experience + maturity level.

I do agree, that you will have to weigh in the ick factor when daing someone close to your daughter's age, and how she will perceive it.

I know plenty of couples who are in the 10-12 year difference, but they didn't have kids from a previous relationship.

I think it sets a range, not who you should...

And what, I'm too old for you?  Now your just being age-ist.... 

I agree, age does matter to an extent, esp. when it comes to where you are in your life. And thank you for being in your 40s and being creeped out by dating a 20-something

I have a pretty limited age range, only because 5 years younger than me is barely out of college, and 5+ years older than me could be already married with kids. I'm 28 - range from 27 to about 32 is what I am all right with. Plus, anything much older than me weirds me out because I look so young. So if a guy "looks" older, I'm probably not going to be comfortable with that, even if they are otherwise attractive. I don't want anyone thinking that he's some sort of perv cuz he looks like he's pushing 40 and I look like a 19-year old college kid.

totally agree with ya on life experience.... that's why I was usually dating older women when I was younger, when I was a single dad at 25 not many women my age were looking my direction,, plus just being a single dad 15 years ago was pretty diferent back then..

causal Pizza just isn't my style,, some days I wish it was,,, but it's just not me

you are too old, but mrs. kido is just right for me.

bah...

Well, your just as old as the women you date wed...  I'm set...

good point,,   it's funny one good friend claimed I was discriminating based on age,,,,

I checked with mama bear and she says I better not be thinking about dating anyone that isn't her age, meaning to the second.

Pretty narrow range if you ask me, but i know better than to argue.

Seriously though.  Just depends on the people involved.

Normally, I would have not even looked (well, maybe look) at someone 12 years younger than me.  But my wife moved from home at 14 to attend a dance academy in DC, then moved to Denver and lived by herself and danced for the ballet company.  She was paying rent and bills when most girls are having slumber parties, talking about boys, and learning to drive.

She was mature for her age when I met her.  I often joke that she is an 'old soul' in a young body.

I have to admit, I have always lived 'younger' than I am.  I stay active, never got into an early family, etc.  I don't think I'm immature (even though all my posts today may indicate otherwise), but live a younger lifestyle.  (I also have been told I look a lot younger than I am)

We just 'clicked'.  Yes, we get the occasional funny look or comment, but who cares.  My family loves her and her family loves me.

P.S. Her father married much younger (more than me) so precidence had been set.

Totally agree as the older you get the larger age gaps are more acceptable.

I think as long as it is leagal and out of the age groups that end with teen or early 20 It is if you connect with someone. I think it is a person to person thing. I have plenty or 36+ guy friends who personality would fit with a young 22/23 yerar old personality  and vise versa as well. You should maybe give it a chance you may hit it off with her.

I am 33.  When I started looking into internet dating I decided range for me would be 25 - my current age + 1.  most girls want an older guy and I want a family so yeah younger is better but too young and they just do not know what they want and maybe a waste of time.

 If an older woman wants me to come over for pizza then that is fine.  Its kinda of a dream of mine since I was 18 but I never had that dream come true, but for dating I do not think it would work out.  I will admit to legimately date older women and not worked for me.  just because they are 57 does not mean they are not great people.

you are a hottie 

very cool I"ll have to remember that word

I actually had this recently... guy saying he was 'too old' for me... about a 10 year age difference...

He has turned into a good friend but its still a little *frustrating*