"You're in completely different stages of life" - what does this even mean?
For context, I'm a 32M, almost 33.
I've had very brief discussions with people I know about how I'm more open-minded about age gaps than most. I'm not saying I'd go for any particular age, but using someone under 22 as an example here, it always ends with people refusing to understand my points or let me speak.
One of the most common things I hear people say is "You're in completely different stages of life". I've never fully understood the meaning - I've always taken it to mean she's just starting adulthood and I've been there for a while.
But to me, that's not necessarily a bad thing. I am fully aware and understand how much potential power and influence a confident, experienced older man can hold over an impressionable girl. Unfortunately creeps do exist who would abuse that dynamic, but I am proud to hold myself responsible to making sure anyone I'm with is in a safe, comfortable place.
I'm not entirely sure you can really explain this to people who refuse to listen, though.