How would you feel if your friend was dating an older guy?

Question

My best friend's 17 and she just recently told me that she's going out with this guy who is 22.

I'm a bit afraid for her because I think it's possible that she could get hurt, but she tells me not to worry about it, and that she's not a child anymore.

But I don't know what to do. I was thinking about telling her parents, but that would make me loose her as a friend, and loose her trust.

Is the age difference really so big? Am I overreacting? I really want some thoughts on this because I just don't know.

— Is it always a fact that the older guy is taking advantage of the younger girl?

So far to my knowledge, they seem happy together and get along pretty good. I've only actually seem them together a couple times because we can't always hang as much this year and she can't always be with her boyfriend. But they play is as they're "just friends".

Answer 1

I think its fine, shes 17 so its not as if she doesnt know what shes doing, plus girls are more mature than boys, so they will be the same age mentally.

Answer 2

my friend IS dating an older guy. she is 14 almost 15 and he is 18 almost 19

she is old enough to handle herself so you just have to trust her. if you get involved she might think you're jealous. i've dated guys almost 7 years older than me and they have never taken advantage of me. you have to just support her  

Answer 3

You should stop being a busy body, Not all guys with that age difference are looking to be dishonorable, You need to trust your friends judgment.

Answer 4

i dont see the problem. its the same for me and my boyfriend i'm 16 and he's 21. we've been happily together for almost 14 months (next wednesday). if their happy let them be. not all guys are out to take advantage of young girls. h**l before me and my boyfriend started dating he didnt even wanna date me and i didnt wanna date because of the age difference i liked his cousin. then i met him and i fell head over heals for him and he was the same towards me. it took him awhile to be open about the relationship. but he came around and now we have a big future planned for the both of us. everyone told me i was much more mature for my age so no one was really surprised when we started dating. he has never ever pressured me into doing things i didnt want to do. we did things at my pace. and i dont regret anything i've ever done with him because of that=] but like i said we've been happy together ever since and we're only getting happier and stronger as a couple.  

Answer 5

Your over reacting, and even tho she is your friend, it really isn't any of your business. She will soon be 18 and that will defintily make it legal in the eyes of the law.

Do not tell her parents, do not do anything but be there for her. Cause he is an older guy, doesn't mean he'll hurt her.

My friends hubby is 4 years younger then she, and he has been having an affair with another woman for the past 3 years. So when it comes to hurting the other, age has nothing to do with it.