My name is Valerie. I'm 27 years old and Peter already has 60 years on his back. I met Peter by chance while shopping. I was in a sporting goods department buying myself a new bag. That's how my relationship with an older man began.

Peter was looking for a birthday present for his daughter. We quickly started talking and went for a coffee together.

Over the following weeks we met regularly. He had just come out of a divorce and was open to a new relationship. At first I didn't think anything could develop between us. I couldn't imagine the idea of a relationship with an older man. It wasn't the age gap itself, but that I couldn't imagine a mature man getting involved in a relationship with me.

Relationship with an older man

Things between us got more and more intense. We went on vacation to Dubai, and a lovely romance developed. Peter gives me what others couldn't give me. His experience in every area impressed me. We became an official couple.

A relationship with an older man and my friends

My friends reacted mostly positively to him. Age doesn't matter, and Peter is a very youthful guy. Girls' nights have always been on my monthly schedule, and nothing changed about that because of the relationship with an older man.

Every now and then we go out to dinner or to the movies together with my friends. I was also mostly accepted in his circle of friends. Of course there's the odd person on both sides who whispers behind our backs. But that doesn't bother us. Not everyone is ready for such an age gap. We're aware of that and can live with it well.

A relationship with an older man - problem: my father, and yet a good ending

Relationship with an older man

At first my parents completely freaked out. My mother calmed down first, then my brother. But with my father it remained a problem. His position was in danger. At least that's how I saw it. His behavior was strange and almost sulky. I hadn't known that side of him before. He is a level-headed man who reflects on himself.

When I introduced Peter to my parents, the situation was very odd. My father behaved more like a sulky child than a mature man. Because the problem was obvious. My father was eight years younger than Peter.

Peter was very level-headed, and after half a year it got better. They'll certainly never become best friends, but today they treat each other respectfully and can have a conversation. All's well that ends well!