Give him a chance. Think positively
My husband has 6 years on me and we together when i was 18
My husband is 12 years older than me and when we met my son was 11. That was nearly 16 years ago, we just celebrated our 14th wedding anniversary. Go with the flow if he is willing to except you and your children and embrace it 
I am 31. My husband is 43. He has 5 grown children with his ex wifeā¦we have a 1 year old together 
he is not too old!!! Go on that date and enjoy yourself!!! Hopefully itās the best date!!
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Itās a date. Go. Enjoy yourself. Could be the best decision you ever make, could be an awful experience. But itās better to regret something you have done that something you havenāt!
Go for it if he doesnāt mind then you shouldnāt either heās considered a date and doesnāt mind your kids so he wants to get to know you. Could be a mistake if you donāt even take the chance.
My mom has 3 kidsā¦ her and my step dad are 10 years apartā¦ and have been together for like 20 or so yearsā¦ his kids was also pretty much grown and he stepped up to be a dad to all of usā¦ does he know how old your kids are? Is he ok with it? If so then I wouldnāt worry about it. He could be the best thing that happen to you and your kids if itās something heās ok with.
I was 30 he was 42 i had a 3 year old and a 10 year old.
4 years later im married and life is the best its ever been.
Your children would be a gift to him and so would you. They are not a baggage but a bonus. Unless you treat yourself like a prize itās hard for others to see.
Iām 29 my manās 50 but youād never believe it! Been going strong four years nowā¤ļø But we donāt have any kids. He has two grown boys from previousš We all get along just fineāŗļø
Iām 12 years younger than my boyfriend. We have been together for 9 years now. My kids were 5 and 7 when we started dating. They are now 13 and 15. The kids love him and he loves them. Even though we are not married they call him their step dad. He has done so much for my kids. I am so thankful for him and all he has done in helping raising the kids!!
Lmao Iām 24 and my bf is 39. We are so happy together. Itās been almost 4 years now. When it works, it works.
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Age really doesnāt matter unless itās over 20 years difference then I think it would be harder to find things in common my husband is 7 years older.
There is seven year age difference between my husband and I and weāve been together almost 30 years!
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Iām 22 and my husband is 38 weāve been together for 4 years now with a beautiful 2 year old girl
You have already been open with him about the fact you have young children. Take him at his word and go have fun!
Go on that date woman. Your worried about wasting time on just meeting someone. Who knows you may gain a friend out of it. I feel like your putting the cart before the horse hun. Meet him, let his ACTIONS speak before you just write him off. Being a father may have been the best thing in his life and he may enjoy having some younger kids around.
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Aside from the age difference, since you stated it doesnāt matter. If he is fully aware you have children and still wants to take you out, I say go for it. Youāre kids donāt have to be involved or even meet or know of him till you are ready. My little didnāt meet the bf one on one just us 3 until we had been seeing each other while. Otherwise it was in group settings so he wants even on her radar lol 
itās all about your comfort level. If at some point you donāt see yourself ever introducing your kids to him then break it off. Thereās no such thing as wasted time. If it doesnāt work you learned something from it. Set the pace. If he pushes or pushes to see the kids thatās a RED FLAG. Your kids. Your pace.
My husband and were 7 years apart. I had two young children. We were married till he passed away a couple years ago. The absolute most beautiful marriage you can imagine. And my kids adored him and miss him so much.
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I donāt have a success story regarding bringing kids into a relationship, but my husband and I are 7 years apart in age and have two very healthy and happy kiddos and weāre doing great. Weāve been together for 11 years and married for 9 years. You have to do what is right for you and your babies. Test the waters, get a feel of him and his family and see if itās something youād like to give a try regarding letting the kids meet him. You never know if you donāt try. Iāve had many friends in the same situation and their blended families and older/younger kids are very happy together. Best of luck to you!
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My step dad was 17 years older than my mom. They started dating when I was 10. He was ex military as well. Iām so glad my mom opened up as he was an amazing dad
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24 here and husbands 34, it can work
KIDS ARE NOT BAGGAGE!
I donāt even know how to respond to this.
I feel sorry for your children if thatās how you feel about them.
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Dose it matter if you are happy age has nothing to do with it. I say go for it take it slow seeing you have little ones. Itās really not bad dating older itās can be amazing just like all relationships or can be rough time as well. Itās up to you to figure out if it right for you.
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Me and my husband have an 11 year gap and I have found my soul mate. I will find him in ever life after no matter our age difference. When we got together I was 19 he was turning 30. Iām 31 and heās 42 now.
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Iām 47, heās 64, his kids were grown, mine were 9 and 7, it has worked, I often question his sanity, but it works, they are 14 and 16 now.
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So my husband is 7 years older than me. He almost passed on me because my kids were only 3 when we met, where his kids were 10, 10 and 14. Here we are 4 years later, married and happy. Hes glad he didnāt pass.
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Trust me you will appreciate the hell out of the older guy.
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My boyfriend is 25, and Iām 30. To almost everybody else, itās not a big deal. But, when we met we were kind of at different stages in life. He had no kids, and in the party level of his life. I had kids, and I wasnāt partying lol.
Butā¦ weāve discovered that while weāre so very different we have bonded and connected on so many different levels and we balance each other perfectly.
We now are homeowners to two houses next door to each other mortgage free, we own two businesses together, and heās adopting my son and we are TTC for another.
Iāll admit, I threw out a lot of jokes about me being old because of how different our lives were, but I know that we are meant to be.
Age is literally nothing but a number.
Itās all about your connection and whether or not yāall balance each other out. 
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To be honest i think older men are better most of them dont play games. I refuse to date younger or around my age. Im 38 hes 51. So go for it
My husband and I are 13 years apart and our third baby is due in a few weeks. Heās the best person Iāve ever met!
Older men are wiser. Been there done that experience. It will be helpful when raising yours. You can learn a lot of what not to do and what to do from an older partner. I say go for it. Be your best self with your best partnerā¦for you!
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I dated a guy that was 25 years older than me. I loved him and I know he loved me. He broke up with me after we were engaged. I went on and met someone else. Found out he had cancer and didnāt want me to be a young widow. Turned out I was a young widow anyway as my husband died of cancer when I was 49. Never remarried.
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Iām 40, he is 53. When we met I was in my 20ās and had a six year old, he had no kids. You were meā¦ I had no desire to date however and was enjoying lifeā¦ 17 years later and we have two boys together and now we are grandparents. Somedays are age difference comes in to play just because we were raised so different ( I was entering primary the year he graduated high school) but we talk it out and do what works for us! I wouldnāt change things. Take the plunge, give it a shot! Even if it doesnāt work after a date or two you could at least make a new friend 
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Fiance is 52, im 24. Been together 1yr 8mo. We have 1 son together and getting married next month. I am the happiest I have ever been in my life. Hes patient kind loving handsome sweet dorky goofy fun funny. All the above. My 5 yr old loves him and her dad likes him as well. Weāre one big happy family.
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You wonāt know the answer to that unless you date him first. Also I donāt believe age matters. You are both adults.
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I feel like this could be great. His kids and your kids wouldnāt fight, and his kids are unlikely to cause outright problems since they are adults and out of the house. He knows yours are little, so he is aware of step dad possibility here. Go out with him and see how it goes!
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Listen here is my story. I meet a guy who was 12 years my Junior. I had three teenage children. We have been married 26 yes together 27. I could not have a better man. Good luck and God bless
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Sound perfect to me 
My bf and I have a 16 year age gap. Iām currently 32, him 48. Been together since I was 21. Heās got 2 kids (full custody) and is disabled, but weāve made it work. It was hard in the beginning but so worth it. His oldest kid is the same age as my sister too, so that made things even more interesting.
My significant other is 6 years older than me but the age gap between our children is pretty decent. Hers are almost 18 and almost 16ā¦ mine are 6 and 4. We started dating just over a year ago. She always said she didnt want to start over and wouldnāt date someone with younger kids but yet here we areā¦ it can work.
Stop overthinking things
Go on the second date
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Once you are over the age of 30 then itās free game! You do you honey boo
I think over a certain age, age difference matters less. Knowing what I know now: I dated a 30+ year old man when I was 17/18 and looking back I know that that was majorly suspect and a form of grooming. Now as a 33 yr old I donāt think dating a 45 yr old would be that big of a deal.
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Go on the date Age is just a number
My BF is almost 37, Iām 31ā¦ his kids are 16 &13, mine are 10 & 6ā¦ it worksā¦ itās stressful for me, having so many kids around sometimesā¦ I would like it more if the kids were olderā¦ but Iād say go for itā¦ sounds like a good Mary if youāre into each other
16 years between my husband and I, however, we had children the same age, he had one grownā¦if he has grown children and does not want anymore id just make sure you are on the same page about that. Whether or not to have kids together can be a deal breaker! Itās not about the age, its about where you are at in life and if thats compatible. My husband and I were both divorced parents, not looking to have any more childrenā¦
Iām 29 my fiance is 47. Itāll be fine. Give it a chance.
One of my friends is 27 and her husband is 38. He had two kids 10 and 13 when they got together. They had one together and he is 3 now. They seem to be doing really well!
Just get to know them well, I dated a man 16years older than me recently and found out he was cheating on me and was also with someone else out of stateā:grin:
. Iām pregnant and thought I could relate but he wanted someone his ageā:woman_facepalming:
, I canāt believe I fell for his lies. But I had also just 
my ex lied to me and I was just looking for someone to trust wrong person. Just becareful and take your time enjoy it though
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Take the plunge why not? Ya never kno til ya try it and also Iāve been in the dating world 2 years now itās hard not to get in your head about stuff in the future and live in the now but thatās what all my friends keep tellin me anyway bc I instantly think will this last forever before the first date lol
Iām 28 boyfriend is 37. Best relationship Iāve ever been in
Maybe donāt have any kids yet? But both mine and my boyfriend families not a fan of us dating I am 43 and he 36 do have successful relationship we donāt let it stop us from dating both our decision grown adults but donāt understand why your kids not happy and accepting you are dating? Your life and decision.
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Iām 29, my husband is 46. Weāve been together 4 years and have a wonderful marriage. He doesnāt have kids of his own but I have 3 and he loves them. They are crazy about him too.
It can work, give it a chance!
My husband and I are 24 years apart I had a 3 and a half year old and he had none waited a year before introducing them 4 years later we have a 2 year old together and 7 and a half year old son amazing relationship
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It is a date not a wedding.
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Age is just a number. My husband is 44 this year and Iām 36
Go out he may be the right one for you and you may be the right one for him
I met a woman 7 years younger than me and she had a 4year old daughter. I was 31 and never married. Age made no difference. We started dating in August and married January 1. We were together 29 years until cancer took her. If he is the right one you will know just like my wife did. I loved my girls with all my heart. Still do.
It all depends on the two of you.To soon to think about that. Just go as to meet a friend. Build on friendship 1st
My husband is 40 and Iām 31 heās my best friend I wouldnāt let age deter you I had a 3 year old at the time before we were married and we have a daughter together 
good luck girl! Give it a chanceā:heart:
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Kids arenāt baggage, theyāre a bonus! Find a man that will treat them as such 
My daughter is 44 her husband is 55. They have been married 24 years
Not long between me and my man, but heās 20 years older than me. One of his kids is older than me, but we have two children together, he accepts my first child as his own, has basically been there since she was 1.5 (she turns 5 in August). Weāve officially been together for 3.5 years; not long, but long enough to know that I wish I had met him sooner, because heās definitely the one I want to spend my life with!
Not the same kind of storyā¦ but my husband is 18 years older than me and we are very happyā¦
Im almost 28 and my boyfriend is 35. Weāve been dating for 2 years and both had kids before we met each other. Honestly, you might have trouble when it comes to parenting styles, Lord knows we do, but you guys just need to set ground rules and stay on the same page. If one says no, you both say no.
When I married my husband he was 59 and I was 43 one of my kids were 15, and 7 we were married 17 years until he past away last year he was a wonderful man also military he loved my boys, and treated me like a queen. Life to short enjoy your self. I did
Whatās wrong with going on a date with him if it doesnāt work out at least you tried
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Go for it I had 3 kids when i started dating my husband he had none ppl always told me I was a bad idea 10 years later and he is the best and only dad my kids know
Please always remember that your kids are not baggage and will only be a bonus to someoneās life.
Itās just a date. Tread lightly, have fun. After a couple of dates, if you really like him, share your concerns.
Donāt want to spend your life wondering if he was the one
I donāt know him obviously but Iād LIKE to think youād have better chances with a man his age then say, that age difference in the opposite direction. All you can do is try it out. Alot of times age doesnāt have a thing to do with anything. Get to know him and decide from there. (:
My husband is 12 years older than I am. We have been married 43 years. I followed my motherās advice. My mother told me to marry a man not less than 10 years older and not more than 20 years older. She explained that anyone less than 10 years older was too immature and anyone older than 20 years was too much like marrying your father and that was just gross. She further explained that a man who is 10 years older than you has generally gone through college and is well on his way to establishing a professional career. She went on to say that heās also sowed his wild oats and is ready to settle down. She stated that when he went through his middle age crisis and was looking at younger women, you would be the younger woman. She continued that if I was going to marry a man in the military, to marry an officer because my father was enlisted and even though they had had a good life it was more fun on the other side. I was in college at the time and soon after began working civil service at the local military base. I actually ended up being assigned to my husbandās office. Having a serious wardrobe malfunction, I needed to ride home to change clothes and he was the only one in the office as it was lunch time. I asked for a favor and he graciously agreed and gave me a ride home so I could change clothes. That night when I got home, mom told me that was the man I needed to marry. I explained that wasnāt going to happen because he was already married as evidenced by his gold wedding ring and I was dating someone else. What I didnāt know was that there was a pending divorce. At the end of the summer, I was returning to school. He was getting ready to go on a very lengthy four week business trip known as a TDY and would not be there when the offices bid farewell to their summer hires. So he invited me to lunch. During that lunch he proposed and after I told him I needed to think about it I said yes. We never had a date and while he was gone I planned the wedding. He was on this trip with his immediate supervisor. I greeted him at the airport and the major welcomed me with open arms. Mom nailed it because my husband was 33 and I was 21. He was a captain in the military at that time. Everyone in the office including the senior officers attended the wedding. The chaplain that counseled us said he never met two people that never should have been married until he met them. I give all the glory to God and my mother as his messenger. I have been blessed in my life to have two of the most amazing women who I believe had direct lines to God, my mother and my mother-in-law. My husband is an amazing man. The only caution my mom gave me was that because of the age difference I needed to accept that I could very well be a young widow. I have always aimed for at least our 50th anniversary. And I believe we will make it.
My dad is 10 years older then my mom and they both had kids when they got together and itās going on 33 years married and they are literally the best they have ever been I hope someday to have a relationship like theirs
If you feel you have a lot of baggage then you shouldnāt be dating. If just means that youāre not ready. Maybe itās an excuse. If he accepts you and your kids then why worry about it? Itās a first date not you getting married. Plus age doesnāt really matter but when itās someone in their 20s and someone in their 40s or older at times itās hard to keep up.
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My husband and I are 13 years apart and itās the best relationship Iāve ever been in. Mental maturity plays a huge role. But Age is just a number.
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I was married to a man 22 years older than me. We were married for 26 years before I lost him to cancer. He took on my two kids ages 3 and 7 and loved them like his own.
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Go on the date! If things click and you feel comfortable with him meeting the kids, move to that next step. Just take things slow. Iām the daughter of two parents who married multiple timers after my parents got divorced. We just want our parents to be happy and be with people who treat us like their own. You wonāt know if this man will work for your family dynamic until you give it a shot.
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Raise your self esteem. Your age difference is no big deal. And your children should never be baggage.
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If you feel like you have a lot of ābaggageā maybe you not ready for dating, yet.
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Iām 4 years older than my boyfriend and Iāve been married previously to a man thats 5 years older than me.
For me it wasnāt his age that was the issue! It was me being conscious of mine! But in fact age is just a numberā¦ long as you are both happy thats all that matters. Honestly i dwell on it alot more than he did!
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Married my husband who was 15 years older. His children werenāt much younger than me and they became my friends. Had a wonderful 27 years together when he passed. Still have friends in his children
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Baggage? Thatās the only thing that alarms me.
You need to change the way you talk about yourself.
Everyone in this world has a past and a life they have lived.
Own it.
Be proud of it.
Probably posting where and what I shouldnāt.
This just upset me and I want you to treat yourself as you would a dear friend.
I have three kids. I married a man who is 24 years my senior and I couldnāt be more happier. My kiddos LOVE him. And he is amazing.
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That,s 9 years My late husband was 13 yrs. my senior, we had 46 years together. He was very good to me. So donāt think about the age think about how he treats you. I had 2 sons also. he had some adjusting to do , He was really the only father they knew. They all loved each other very much .So get to know him it may not be for you. or just maybe.Good luck have fun.
I wouldnāt worry, I had a friend where there was 33 years between her parents. Her mum was 21 when she met my friends dad and was with him for the next 40 years until he passed away.
My husband is 49 and Iām almost 33. 16 years age difference also he has a 16 and an 8 year old. Today we celebrate 2 year of being married. Gonna tell you something I heard from Steve Harvey. Just jump. You never know what you will miss unless you jump
Not quite the same but my husband was 48 when our son was born. After working so hard all our lives, and doing well, we were able to spend quality time with our son. As older parents we had done our harder, more time consuming work and were lucky enough to be healthy and enjoy his activities. Iāve asked him if us being older had been a problem for him and he says not at all. I believe him. We had so much fun with him. So I wouldnāt let age stand in the way.
Iām 31 and my fiancĆ© is 57. I have 2 kids who were 4.5 and 7 when we met. We have been together 2 years and I have never been happier. My kids love him aswell.
Go on the date, you only live once!
Age is just a number at the end of the day.
Donāt ever think your kids are Xtra baggageā¦Meet him ,have a nice timeā¦If the magic is there your babies wonāt be baggageā¦Live life
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Thatās not a big age difference. Just be aware he is a military man and might be a little tougher on raising kids than you are. No matter what your decision is about him always put your kids first. You will need a loving man that respects your whole family.
My parents were 12 years apart and spent their entire lives together, happily. Died together as well. I can remember a whole 3 actually arguements between them ever
I met my fiance when I was 27 and he was 37, weāre now also 31/41 and we donāt even notice the age gap, my mum always said Iād end up finally happy with someone 10 years older 
I also have a almost 12 year son. Weāre not exactly planning kids of our own but we are open to the option if situations change,
As long as he understands you and your kids are a package deal then go for it. Kids come first. If he treats you and your kids right then thatās all that matters.
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Thereās a 15year age gap between my auntie and uncle, he had two youngish children when they met and they have now been together over 30 years and are still so happy and in love
Iāve dated some idiots 13 years older than me. Biggest mistakes Iāve made so far in my life, they just manipulated me. but not everyone will have bad luck being a few years apart.
The love of my life was 16 yrs older. He was my world and I was his. God called him home to soon.
I was married 45 years to a lady 9 years older than me ā¦ age makes no difference, especially the older you get, itās the person themselves that is the important part. Hereās wishing you luck and that you find Mr Right for you and your kids!
Iām 41 and my husband turns 33 in 2 weeks. We are a perfect match cause he actually acts older than me! Go with the flow, if itās meant to be then itās meant to be!