She's 15, he's 30 - should they be dating?

The Straits Times, 5 Feb

I AM against couples who date when their age difference is so big. Although in past generations it is very normal to see married couples who differ at least 10 years in age, it seems unnatural in such an up-to-date society. Girls feel more secure, protected and encouraged when they date men older then themselves. They feel cared for, loved and pampered by these boyfriends. Young teenage girls feel proud that they have an older boyfriend who works because he will be able to afford to bring her to expensive restaurants and give them gifts such as diamonds and jewellery. However i feel that these female youth fail to realize that they are only in search for a father figure. If you are deprived of fatherly love, when you come from a broken family, you tend to look for older men who can satisfy your wants.

I believe it is impossible that the relationship will turn out well and last long. The reasons being, although you feel comfortable with your older boyfriend because he sees the potential in you and motivates you, he not necessary will always remain loyal to you. Although he knows you well enough because he's older, you not necessarily will understand what he is going through all the time because you are younger.

I agree that girls mature faster than boys but boys will eventually mature when they grow older, especially after finishing their national service. I feel that it would be best that relationships be established only when you and your boyfriend are grown up and mature, hence understanding each other so much better.

Older men know how to keep secrets from you. Some may have a wife at home and you will never know. In addition, younger men will beat around the bush and court you, but the older men are usually very straightforward and will ask for sex. I feel that there is no rush to getting into a boy-girl relationship. Eventually when you grow older and more mature, your Mr. Perfect will just come your way!