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.

Mature man younger woman relationship challenges

David is a a 41 year old man dating a 20 year old woman. They even have a child together, but in one of those classic young woman dating older man, he is getting frustrated with her goofiness. "Is there a differance between her reasoning and mine? I know there is, but can you please tell me when her's will be on my level?" he asks. (Related: Relationship with a younger wife)

Yes, for very simple reasons, there is a huge difference in perspectives between the two of you. The kind of life experiences that you have had, she will take another 20 years to go through. Now, when will she become exactly like you? Probably never. However, she will get somewhat closer to you as she ages as well. A person's reasoning depends on her experiences, and still each one of us is unique in that sense because we go through life, react, and learn differently. Plus, the way you look at something today is different from the way she looks at it because you are using your experiences from past 41 years to react and learn while she is using only 20 years of experiences. (Related: Should you date younger women)

Generally, I advise couples in your situation to not even try to match their reasoning levels but appreciate and enjoy each other's unique perspectives. For instance, it gives you a chance to enjoy things with her that only 20-year olds like to do: certain type of music or pop culture or fashion or any other activities that she likes. Similarly, she can appreciate your unique experiences in life, learn about life in the 70s and 80s, and do things that you enjoy - whether it is scuba diving or literature or yoga. The more each one of you tries to make the other like themselves, the more frustrated you would be. On the other hand, if you both grow supporting and appreciating each other's unique personalities, you can "become young again" and she will benefit from the experiences of a mature and wiser man.