Dear Dr. Romance:

I just saw write up on the issue of older woman and younger man .   This have been a great issue for me, I make friends easily with people and at the end of the day they want a relationship and all to find that am older than them. Its been happening to me for sometime now and I have said no to about three guys because of the age issue. They don't mind about the age they just like my personality and I don't know what to do.

The first guy I wanted to date but I was three years older and I couldn't handle that. The second guy, i was two years older and now I am so much in love with a guy who is eight years younger than me.   I don't know what to do, at times I feel I could go out with someone younger, but I fear what my family will think of the issue and I know they might not accept it.

Presently, I am in love with someone eight years younger.  We both love and respect each other greatly and solve problems maturely. He doesn't have a problem with that but the major issue at hand now is the religion .  We are both Christians but from different religions. He´s a Jehovah Witness and am a Pentecostal, they don't believe in celebrating Christmas, Birthdays etc. like we do.  We both know we have differences, but we can't let go of each other that easy. He loves me so much and says he doesn't know what he will do seeing me in another man's arms.

I love him too but am scared of my family 's reaction.  His has a friend who has been pressuring him to end the relationship, and they even got a fight. It's not been easy. I love him, but what should I do?

Dear Reader:

I don't think the age difference is your real problem.  I doubt if an eight-year difference would really upset anyone, even if you are a little older.  The real problem, I think, is the difference in religion.  It's a big problem, and I don't know if it's surmountable.  Can you and your boyfriend figure out how your life would work if you were married?  What would you do about religion, family and friends?  However much you love each other, if you can't work these issues out, love may not be enough to sustain the relationship.  Try reading my article " Stupid Cupid"  for better understanding of how to work this out. Love Styles: How to Celebrate Your Differences

Love Styles

For low-cost counseling, email me at tina@tinatessina.com

Author's Bio: 

Tina B. Tessina, Ph.D. is a licensed psychotherapist in S. California since 1978 with over 30 years experience in counseling individuals and couples and author of 13 books in 17 languages, including It Ends With You: Grow Up and Out of Dysfunction; The Unofficial Guide to Dating Again; Money, Sex and Kids: Stop Fighting About the Three Things That Can Ruin Your Marriage, The Commuter Marriage, and her newest, Love Styles: How to Celebrate Your Differences. She writes the “Dr. Romance” blog, and the “Happiness Tips from Tina” email newsletter.

Dr. Tessina, is CRO (Chief Romance Officer) for LoveForever.com, a website designed to strengthen relationships and guide couples through the various stages of their relationship with personalized tips, courses, and online couples counseling. Online, she’s known as “Dr. Romance” Dr. Tessina appears frequently on radio, and such TV shows as “Oprah”, “Larry King Live” and ABC News.