Age difference!

[Phoopibear]

bottom line, im 18 and hes 26 turning 27 next month (weve been together for 5 mnths) and my entire family doesnt approve... but were very much in love, i just cant take the pressure, judgment and disprove from my family, what should i do? im almost ready to move in with him just to stand up to my parents and show them that i can make my own choices... any tips?

[shell921]

specialmom is right again! at 18 you are in a state of growth and change. you will outgrow this 28 year old in a few years. why is he with you is the question? he needs to be with a woman 24 or 25 not a kid like you. your brain isn't fully developed until maybe 25. work on you. your education is of utmost importance. therapists offices are full of 40 year women who gave up their dreams to settle down with some guy they were in love with 20 years prior and it didn't work out. now they are divorced with no job skills. "dating is a sideline at your age" truer words were never spoken.

[specialmom]

I haven't read your journal but will take Londres word for it and agree with her.  I am sure that age isn't the main factor making them negative about this situation.

Honestly, you are of an age in which you really need to do something with your life . . . not you and a guy.  Dating is a sideline to that when you are 18.  You need to be either in college or training for a good job so that you can be financially independent and a strong woman with options.  period.

Good luck

[RainLover71]

Sorry,I should have read your journal entry aswell,maybe give it some time and see how things go,It appears as though your family is looking out for you and really care about you.Perhaps you should slow down a touch and think this through,I believe what Londres said is spot on and your future is what counts.Education is very important also,18 is young so you have plenty of time to make the correct decision.Again,I wish you all the best.

[Londres70]

After reading your journal entry, no wonder your family feels the way they do.  He/your bf doesn't sound like someone who is bringing the best out of you.  His influence sounds negative.  Plus, you aren't sure if you are pregnant or not. To add.....you have only been together for 5 months. I think your family should be concerned.   I think his character is more a concern then his age.  

Before you do anything else, really think about what you are doing with your life. I am sure your family is fearful that if you end up with this guy and moved in it will be disastrous.  You are already missing classes, tests and assignments at school due to this bf.  Plus, you made some mention about other girls and your bf.  

Dear, don't let some guy guide your life into a ditch.  Slow down and think about your future.  I can tell you it won't be much WITHOUT any education and babies to take care of.  

You are 18 years of age and yes it is your life and it is YOUR decision.    

[RainLover71]

You're old enough now to make your own decisions and that is not really such an age gap,it's not up to your family,it's your choise.The only problem here might be that your family may not want to have anything to do with either of you if you continue the relationship or move in together.It could be a situation where they might say it's us or him.This is a tough one but at 18 you are old enough to do what's right for you.The other option is to really state your case to your family and express all your true feelings,if you have already done this then the opinion of a qualified therapist might be useful.I wish you all the best.