How to introduce your much younger boyfriend?

Erica is starting to date a much younger man. She writes, "We get along great, but how do we react to other people? I just feel awkward coming up with an explanation."

I have dealt with situations in the past in which couples have kept it a secret for a while - not a bad idea when you are not sure if it is going to last (so why give all kinds of explanations?). However, if you are at a point that you think the relationship is steady, be brief and introduce him as you would any other man with no explanation from you. Here are two likely scenarios that you might face.

• Some will tease you. Your response should be something like, "I know! Yeah, it is a good relationship. I am so happy to be with him." And that's it.
• Be horrified. Again no apologies; say that love just happened between the two of you, you are glad to have him as your boyfriend, and look forward to a good relationship. Only someone very mean will then say anything stupid about a man that you care.

In summary, don't be apologetic (You haven't robbed a bank; merely fallen in love) and no need to give complicated explanations (it isn't other people's business). Plus, if you give an impression that you are serious about your relationship, people will back off.