DEAR ABBY: I am a 36-year-old mother of four dating a 28-year-old man. He is the youngest guy I’ve ever dated. I usually date men my age or older. After my kids’ father left me for another woman after 12 years of being together, I was broken. I didn’t date for two years as I tried to heal. Then comes along this younger guy whom I’ve grown to love.
This man has no children and doesn’t seem like a guy I should be with according to society, but I love him, and he loves me very much. I keep quiet about him when it comes to my mother and family out of fear of judgment. Should I tell them about him, or just keep him “hidden,” as he would say? — IN LOVE IN THE SOUTH
DEAR IN LOVE: Keeping him hidden is insulting to the man you have been seeing. At 36 years old, you should be mature enough to live your life openly. The age difference is not so great that it should be a cause for concern. If the issue is that he comes from a different culture or racial background, you may have to stand up and defend your choice. Because you love each other, you should not be keeping him hidden. You have nothing to be ashamed about.
Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Contact Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.