How to get rid of relationship baggage?

Both the partners need to work on it

	Carmen is a 27 year old in relationship with a man almost twice her age (51). While everything is great about their relationship, his 24-year old daughter is giving both of them a hard time. "He acts and looks much younger than he is. We occasionally had curious looks our way when we'd go out. I have had a rich and complex life experience so far and have gained the wisdom that propels me further into life than most people my age. I have a wonderful relationship with my father so the attraction is not of a "fatherly" nature like some might believe. My partner and I have a lot of chemistry and it was love at first sight for both of us. He does have a few trust issues as he usually dates much younger women who have relied on him in a fatherly fashion, hoping for financial gain (he is a multimillionaire). I have never relied on him in such a way, but he does provide some financial security for me. It goes with the territory that, for example, he likes to eat at nice restaurants and he wants me there with him. But I'd be happy with him if he were not so wealthy as long as we had the same level of understanding, chemistry and energy level. Since his daughter was giving us such a hard time, we recently decided to "break" for a little while to see how things go. I personally think that those issues are her own to be worked out with the help of a life coach and therapy and to allow her father and I to continue to have a happy and loving relationship. What would be your comments/advice on this issue?" she asks.  (Related:  Dating recently divorced men)
	As you can imagine, when you date a man that is "older" you will see more baggage - the older the person, the more the baggage. And a daughter who does not like you or any younger woman - well, that is just part of the baggage.  (Related:  Dating after divorce) I agree with you that her behavior is her problem but you will still have to deal with it. In fact, ignoring it or antagonizing her would not be helpful to anyone. So while it may sound like a distraction, you will need to do the hard work to gain her trust and love. And remember that it is not just 24 year olds that give a hard time to their fathers when they date another woman - even little kids behave similarly and in almost all cases the woman has to work hard to gain their trust and respect.  (Related:  Dating for divorced people) The good news in your case is that since you two are so close in age, you can almost become "friends." If the idea overwhelms you, the only person who can make it easy on both of you is your boyfriend. He is the one who has to do the groundwork and help you both develop that bond. I think the daughter is exhibiting this behavior hoping that the "competitor" will go away, so I am not sure that taking the "break" is such a good idea. A better option would be to nurture the relationship that all three of you need to do together.
	Related:  Dating for single parents    How to balance dating with parenting?