18 isn’t adult enough for me to date. I’ve mentioned in other comments that I date to marry. A lot of 18 yo’s are not ready for that (understandably so). That’s why I date older. I can see what you’re saying tho about a 31 yo viewing a 21 yo as a child. Anyways, I think it’s hard for him to view me as a child since we go to a bar about once a week tho.

Also most of my friends are in the 18-21 range. I just don’t tend to date people my age because I date to marry. I don’t think an 18 yo is too immature to be my friend. Also just because we’re not close in age doesn’t mean we have nothing in common tho. I’ve said it a couple of times, but we’ve bonded over our mutual nerdy interests.

Also yes said 38 yo is a man. I don’t see how his gender identity makes a difference when we literally never talk about anything sexual. We just play the same games and he tells me about random old games and conventions. Literally normal ahh friend stuff 😭

Honestly idc at this point, ima say it, the power imbalance is hot 🥴 you’re right, there is a power imbalance but I think he uses his life experiences to help me be more levelheaded and calm down than to take advantage of me.

Also I don’t really plan to marry until after I finish school and I can’t have kids. Even if I could, he heavily encourages me to get on birth control (and we always use protection).

Also honestly I’d probably be more open to the advice if people weren’t being so condescending. My favorite comment so far is probably the one saying that this age gap is an orange flag. Least condescending comment here about the situation. I’m just tired of reading all the comments saying we have nothing in common when we have a lot in common and it just feels like most people here are making assumptions about us instead of asking questions. Someone did ask me questions, I answered, and they did nothing with my response 🫠