How do you let a younger guy down without it being awkward?

[Anonymous]

I'm 37.

My friends cousin who is 25, has a crush on me.

He knows how old I am, but he keeps saying he doesn't care.

I don't mind having something casual but he is too young for me.

Should I tell my friend about it?

It's just the age gap that's the problem cause he's not bad looking.

[SnowedIn]

Be honest with him. Kind and honest. He may make it awkward, but he owns that, not you. Be direct and upfront, soon, with no beating around the bush.

BUT...

... Just wondering why you're letting the age get in the way? Like, I'm not saying jump to marriage and kids, but if it's only age, isn't that an artificial barrier you're throwing up? Why not see if you connect? Maybe there's something there. Maybe not, but worth trying?

[Guy13]

His age will bounce back fine !!! YOu may have simply been a good time or fling anyway. I recovered fine from the 42 year old nurse who came onto me at 20 working in a hospital... It was a great time over year-half and I have no regrets.

Be positive about the encounter and say something about the age showing up for you now would be understandable to me... Good luck !!

[TrippyStarry]

Scare him away. Tell him to marry you if he’s serious about being with you. Tell him it’s now or never. Wedding in 1 month.

[Summeroflove]

Yeah tell your friend. If you’re not into someone then you’re just not into them. Just if he has made a move on you just tell him how you honestly feel. So that you can hopefully both move on.


It’s not bad for him to have a crush on someone. Your standards just don’t seem to match and you’re not into him.

[Pyrofox]

Age gaps are really only as awkward as you make them.

As to how to let him down without busting his balls over it. Simply explain your not comfortable with the relationship. Be genuine and factual. Keep it simple and straightforward. I will say though 12 years isn't too big.

[icedragoom]

Well just be up front with him don't try to put his feelings into consideration cause if you do it will just be harder for you to put it into words be straight forward with him and let him know your not interested

[Blackmoonsns]

I say go for it, have you ever had a younger guy before? Obviously you've been thinking about her you want to ask this question but if you seriously do want to let him down just be straightforward and don't sugar coat it express your general concern.

[boggboss]

Just reject him same way u would anyone it will be awkward u can't prevent that

[Staximus]

Tell your friend you want to jump on his pickle?

[noohair]

Age difference is a social convention. It should not matter.

[In_Trance]

Let him down the same way you'd let anyone else down