Dear Dr Date,

I am a 35 year-old man, but I'm interested in dating a 21-year-old lady friend. I think we really get along, but my friends say she won't like me because she is too young for me. What do you think?

Sincerely, Jerald.

Dear Jerald,

If you're getting along well with this woman, then who cares what your friends think? The question is what do you want? For that matter, who cares what 'society' thinks? Be your own man. You and your 21-year-old love interest are both adults.

Make up your own minds.

The good thing is that it is completely acceptable and even highly desirable in most cultures for older men to date younger women. In fact, this has been the common practice among the most powerful men in human history.

You might be surprised at how much younger women like older men. Girls appreciate men who are more mature, cultured, and experienced.

The fact of your age difference means much less to her than the way you can make her feel. And if you make her feel good, even if your friends or her friends tease you, it won't matter; she will stay with you.

In fact, if she stays with you despite her friends' teasing, that is even better for you, as it will cement her attachment and investment in you.

Remember, too, the concept of emotional contagion. If it doesn't mean anything to you, then it won't matter to her either.

The same applies to younger men who want to date older women. Older women appreciate the energy, vitality, and love of fun and adventure that younger men can bring.

Lots of older women have dreams about being with a younger guy. They enjoy the challenge of finding someone pure who hasn't yet been corrupted by the hard world.

What is important isn't your age. The ultimate value you can offer her is how you can make her feel.

This article was first published in The New Paper.