Still...what makes this year so special?

I have never had the issue with age till now.
I'm stunned!

Nothing else has worked for me in this town, sadly.

I want to have a decent life if not anything else.

True, I'm waiting on that mainly right now.

Nope, shoes are...ugh...shoes? I am a lose for words really on whats been happening lately, it has really left me...stunned?

Last year was not a problem....now my age suddenly matters in my town?

The whole reason I wrote this up was because I recently asked a girl if she wanted to talk to me more and she pointed out clearly I was "too" young...it was only a 2 year difference, 19 and 21. Seemed kind of silly then some girls, regular friends, I know pointed out the jobs are becoming so hard to get they only date men with good pay. They don't abuse their "men" as far as I know.

It's all understandable, but my friend and I have the same issue now.
Only in the last year...why?

It was never a problem for us last year, and I kind of wish some people I knew never moved, I lost a lot of good friends...but it happens.

I seriously want some good answers on this and possibly a discussion.
I have taken the advice of a few people and I am going into the Army soon, and with that I started to notice something weird that has NEVER been an issue for me until now. My age seems to be the biggest factor in terms of finding a relationship for me.

I'm almost 20, and well why should it matter to a person who is seeking a real relationship if I'm younger or possibly older than them? Especially within a 5-year limit.

What makes people so scared to have a relationship with a younger figure?

I have no problem dating or even being friends with anyone who is around my age by 5 years. I have had 3 serious relationships with all older women.

Me: Her:
16 19
18 23
19 22

In most cases people will tell me my age is not a very mature one, I have to rebuke that because of my experiences. Each young lady I have had in those relationships have been really immature in private and with their friends and family but they put on a "show" some would say in public. To me thats senseless, and I felt like the mature one at the end of the day.

"Don't judge a book by its cover"
It's a term that best fits my situation lately. I have tried dating again with older women and some younger, but the ones I have dated are really good friends of mine now, but none are ready for a serious relationship, so I stay friends with them.

Is it the "job" factor? Most consider since I'm young I don't get paid well?

With the Army and if it works I'll be a walking meal ticket really, the pay is not so great its the benefits they don't tell you about that work out for you. The meal allowance, off-base pay, home assistance, living assistance, over-seas pay, tax free items...etc...

If I'm a walking "meal ticket" then that is something most people will consider as a possible exploit and to me I hate the idea of even mentioning to a potential partner. I don't want to be "used" as some say, so in what ways could I guard against that in the future? Is there a guide? Or a place to find tips on the whole army system of pay and relationship status system (marriage stuff).

So what I'm asking is why is age such a "huge" factor in todays relationship possibilities?
I know a lot of people with 1~8 year differences in their partners.

Why is the Army seen as such an easy factor in finding a partner, but its abused so easily?

What is your opinion on todays economic situation and relationships, is that causing this "curve" in the factors that people focus on now?

I can understand the economy is not as nice as it was a few years though and that can influence people. I know a 19 year old who makes 13$ an hour in a low living expense town, and the main office of his current job pays the employees based on the towns. If he lives lets say in LA he would make over 30$ an hour. He is 19...same as me...earning a lot more than I can in my town. With no college degree. He has the same problem I do, age. He cant date older women lately.

I have, once.
>.<

K

I don't get it...Queene really understands I guess.

I dont give all the information out for my own reasons. I'm going to give her space, but personal attacks are not needed.

Wow, blow it a ll out of the water. I am not going to defend myself here. I am simply trying to be a nice guy and be there for someone who I want to help.
How many other guys would even care?
She wants help, but she is scared so I'm giving her space. You really have no place to call me immature when I'm trying to be the mature one and show I'm here for her.
I grew up without a father, do you know what that feels like?

I am...
Ill slow down and just let it slide for now.
Sorry for sounding like I was ignoring anyone.
Thank you all.

Ill give her some space ^_^
Sorry, I'm just a bit distressed...forgive me.

What more can I do?

I feel so useless ugh >.<

I am a hopeless romantic some say, I want to be that knight in shinning armor sometimes. I just want to do what I can and then see if she follow through the rest of the way, you know?

This whole situation is so mixed up...I don't know what else to do...

This whole situation is so mixed up...I don't know what else to do...

In general, like outside in the waiting room.

21.....her Ex cheated on her with her own mother.....she really hates guys right now.

I think Ill just leave the flowers and call her later, if I can be there for the birth I plan to be!
>.>
That sound ok?