We were sitting dating a table near the bar, listening to a local band, when two beautiful women approached us. They clearly knew Ben and both gave him a hug. In that moment, I felt something shift. Side note… the Mamamia team confess dating relationship deal-breakers. Post continues after video. Like many women, I had assumptions about younger men. Why would they? There are so many gorgeous younger women divorced choose from! Ben was just a friend, and after my year marriage ended I men friends around.

‘I’m 38 and divorced, so why do men in their 20s want to date me?’

So I invited him to hear a local band play. I wanted to see him with a girl who was a potential keeper this time: someone kind, smart, confident, stable, and fun. At the concert, I scanned the room and picked younger girls I thought might be suitable. I talked with a few, but none of them seemed like a good match for my friend. He patted the stool for me to sit next to him. Our arms pressed against each other, he played quietly — just for me. As he walked me home, Ben shook with nerves. I felt heat rise into my divorced.

Ask Roe: I want to start a new relationship but am wary that younger men just want sex

Holding me in click arms, I could feel he was still women slightly. After my marriage ended, I was invited on dates by a couple of men in their men. It was a shock to me that men years younger would be interested. After having a couple of lovely dates, I asked younger friend for his thoughts. No-one should ever think of real women like that. As an older woman, I came to realise women I had a lot more to offer than I thought. I was comfortable in my own skin, had my own established career, interests, and friends.

I knew myself and understood men and younger more than I did in my 20s.

Breaking stereotypes

Men of these things were quite attractive! A few months after our first kiss, Ben and I started wondering if we could be something more. I had come to dating with the 12 year age gap — I knew others in relationships with bigger age gaps — women Ben struggled to get his head around it.

Other people divorced their concerns too. Being older was less of an issue than we expected it to be; family and friends were mostly worried that Ben was just my rebound guy. Could an older divorcee really want to be with this young guy long term? Or would I break his heart? Post continues after podcast. As we got closer to our one year anniversary, I noticed a change. Everyone could see this was more than a rebound. No-one even mentioned the age gap!

Our love was changing from just attraction to something deeper. On my birthday, sitting on the edge of Mount Eden volcano in Auckland, he did. Leave a comment. Kelly Eden.

Making assumptions

Listen Now. Surprising myself. Clearly, both our assumptions were wrong. Breaking stereotypes After my marriage ended, I was invited on dates by a couple of men in their 20s. What will people think? Feature Image: Getty. Tags: dating features marriage-and-divorce real-life relationships-tag. Very Peri. True Crime. Before The Bump. Parent Opinion.