The chance to date older guys can be very exciting. Even though some may argue dating older men takes away the enjoyment of a 'real' college experience, I haven't felt that way at all.
When I started dating my current boyfriend, a bunch of my friends joked that he was my "sugar daddy," but we're both in our 20s. We also were in the same major (but with different tracks), which allowed us to study together and help each other. Also, mainly just to rant about how difficult the major was. Maturity definitely does NOT come with age, but I learned a few perks when it came to giving it a try. Here are a few pointers that I learned.
1. He helps you manage your money.
You may be wondering why your parents turned your cell phone off, but he's busy planning on paying his next bill. He'll teach you how to save, and make you realize that some things aren't worth spending money on. If you have to check your bank account before you make an Amazon purchase, don't even buy it. Everything is a budget to him, and it's because he's on his own. This will teach you to make smarter decisions with money when you move out on your own.
2. He pushes you to be more optimistic and encourages you to go further.
I had thoughts about going to law school, and he gave me pointers about getting a graduate degree and then maybe my doctorate. It's kind of a stretch, but it can be done. You need motivation in your life regardless, and he allows you to see what is really important.
3. You'll get a taste of the real world.
You get to go on dates, travel, and even make big decisions that you will be glad that you accomplished.
4. You'll learn how to minimize the gossip and realize that a whole weight has been lifted off your shoulders.
Because how important is the gossip going to be years down the line? Even though he can be a good listener, it's still draining because he can't relate.
5. They are more serious when it comes to what they want.
Some people say that is a bad thing, but he also knows how to have fun. There is just a line between realistic and unrealistic. Your older boyfriend tends to think more realistically because he's experienced many things already.
6. He can afford to do stuff on his own.
Yes, honey! His own apartment, his own car and he pay monthly bills! That's something you need to get behind when it comes to being prepared.
7. You may have an old soul mentality, and he might too.
Two mature people in a relationship lead to a positive future. Being with someone who is a little older teaches you how to be ready. Also, you guys probably laugh at the same jokes other people would find weird, at least that's how I see it.
So, I'm not saying that all older men suddenly grow up. Like I said earlier, maturity does not come with age. But there are certain things that you should be considering at an older age. It's important for us younger girls to be prepared for the real world, but don't allow a relationship to take away your undergraduate college experience. What matters is whether you click with the person or not. Maybe one day, you guys will start a family. At the end of the day, we all go to college to become adults and everyone has to learn.
Another important thing is to not jump into a relationship blind, then build up all of these materialistic thoughts and unrealistic expectations. It takes time to know your partner and if you can't handle the differences, then you may not be ready to date an older person.
