Gay Relationship Advice: Age Gaps in Gay Relationships
Many of my LGBTQ counseling clients ask me why they are only attracted to gay men younger than themselves. If you are happy dating gay men in their twenties, then this question is not important. It’s like asking “Why do I prefer blondes over brunettes?” My advice is to let yourself enjoy dating whomever interests you (as long as they are over the age of 18).
If you find 25-year-old-guys cute you probably will always find them cute. Your job is to accept your attractions rather than judge them. If they hurt no one then they are good.
As a gay man you have already spent years judging your LGBTQ sexuality. That didn’t make you any happier. You’ve probably already learned a lot about unpacking society’s arbitrary rules about attraction. Use those lessons to unlearn any self-reproach you have about whom you find beautiful.
Your job is to accept your attractions rather than judge them. If they hurt no one then they are good.
But What If I Don’t Like Dating with Age Gaps?
Some men find younger guys attractive but have been disappointed in finding a younger man who is also interested in a committed LGBTQ relationship. Finding a younger guy ready to build an enduring partnership is possible, but perhaps harder to find.
Gay men who want to increase their odds of finding a long term lover sometimes wish they could find guys in their thirties or older sexually attractive. They ask me: Is this possible?
If your attraction to younger guys is causing you relationship pain you may be able to expand your desires. That doesn’t mean that the 20-somethings won’t always be sexy, but perhaps some of the 30-somethings can also be enticing. Some of us can bend our attractions, but few of us can change them dramatically.
If you want to expand the age range of the people you date, and are prepared to consider this with self-compassion, then the following stories about gay men I’ve worked with might be helpful:
“Alan” (all names have been changed)
Alan, a large man in his mid-forties, always hated his body and has struggled with his weight for his entire life. He had no trouble finding guys in their early twenties for hook-ups who were attracted to his big size and warm personality. But he found it difficult to find a young guy interested in a long term relationship. Alan longed for a partner with the emotional maturity and economic stability that he himself had developed at mid-life.
In LGBTQ therapy he discovered that his exclusive focus on younger guys was related to the shame he felt about this body. He bought into a cultural teaching that young cute guys are “the best.” He realized he experienced temporary relief from his inner critic when he was able to “bed the best.”
During our work together Alan began to heal his shame and learned to appreciate his own body. As this learning took hold he still found the young guys fun to look at, but less compelling. He is now actively dating guys in their thirties and enjoying them.
“Will”
Will is attracted to young, thin men who evoke an air of innocence. However, at age 60, he has no interest in being a “sugar daddy.” He wants a long term lover to share his passion for the outdoors, country music, and home remodeling.
In therapy he uncovered that inside he felt very young. He saw himself as “one down” compared to other adult men, and feared being overwhelmed by the power and needs of a more confident boyfriend. As therapy progressed he found his innate power and learned to express himself more freely in the world.
As his empowered self-confidence grew he noticed that the 30-somethings and even a few 40-somethings began to look increasingly hot.
Today he is in the second year of a relationship with a 38-year-old man who can meet him emotionally. While he is naturally more of a caretaker, he is now also letting himself be taken care of for the very first time.
“Jeremy”
Jeremy is a life-long guy watcher. He is a painter who loves beauty and will even take the time to drive around the block to enjoy the visual of an attractive young guy walking down the street.
He has always been attracted to younger guys physically, but emotionally he feels more connected and compatible with guys his own age of 50. His solution? He and his new 40-year-old boyfriend enjoy an active fantasy life. His boyfriend enjoys playing the role of the innocent young college student and Jeremy enjoys being the take-charge dominator.
Each of us is different. These stories may or may not resonate with you. Your attractions may expand or they may remain the same. What is most important is that you continue to deconstruct the “made up” conventions about age disparity in relationships.
When you learn to accept your sexuality you will find your relationships, sex life, and happiness improve. And when you build your inner resources, usually you get more of what you want in life.
Schedule a free 15-minute call to find a LGBTQ+ therapists to support your relationship goals.
Thank you ,as a man who is attracted to younger guys .I found this very helpful .
Great to hear! -Adam
I love me
I’m 50. Is it reasonable to look to meet men half my age. Where should I look.
Generally speaking when you are looking for something specific when it comes to relationships, online is best. Apps such as Daddyhunt might be a useful resource. What you are looking for is more difficult to find, but doable.
I seem to be attracted to younger mature in thought and in business. I always figured this was some fetish I had not resolved however since my last three bf and ultimately my current boyfriend, I believe I am after the love and energy that he has. He has a confidence and an ability to have patience and love that I lack. I believe I have found the one man I can love and enjoy for a long time! I am 56 he is 25. We have loved , given up , shared and gone through many emotional adventures.. we come out stronger ! Am I being realistic? We have been together for over a year and a half and we still communicate multiple times a day… yea we are currently long distance…. Nit feels like we’re together all the time…
Thanks for your post. Two areas of concern stand out in your comments. The first is that your relationship is long distance. It can be easier to feel close to someone when the relationship has the built in boundaries of living far apart. This closeness isn’t always sustained when you live close to someone you love. So before you make any big decisions about this relationship it is important to have plenty of time to assess your in-person communication. The other area to explore is your experience of confidence and patience. Are you trying to develop that by attaching to this man? That can be a red flag. Confidence and patience is mostly an inside job. Keep working on that in therapy or in your own self-exploration and you will have more information about what is right for you in relationship. Take care, Adam
Follow up. We have been living together 8 months now! It has been amazing. We are in a monogamous relationship and we have been giving and taking in very positive ways. We have been really enjoying the time that we have and building a pretty good friend group.
I am 54 years old and looking for a LTR with a mature and monogomus person for life but its so hard to find a true and honest person. Why is it so difficult to find these qualities?
Its even more difficult when your 55 and find yourself single after a 22 year relationship. I don”t know how to get past the anxiety and hurt when your happily ever after tells you he wants to be single. Bars, aps, are so unfamiliar to me. most friends dont practice monogamy and have open relationship. I am old school and just cant see that. Good luck to you and me!
I’ve always been attracted to younger Asian men. I’ve long ago stopped trying to figure it out. My boyfriend is 23 years younger than me. He’s not a gold digger; he is attracted to older white men and so it works beautifully.
how did you two meet ? i also attracted to older white men
Lost my partner of 47 years to cancer last year.
Started chatting recently on FB.
All of a sudden multiple young men started sharing their desire to be with me.
Some were hustlers that were dismissed.
One in particular has captured my attention.
Have not met him yet, but planning to in the future.
I’m old enough to be his father.
He is beautiful, fit and educated.
He wants a commitment from me.
I would love to oblige, but need to met him first, take it slow.
This is the first romantic encounter since the passing of my significant other..
I m 54 married to a women for over 30 years lately I find myself super
attracted to younger guys
even hooked up with some on Grindr
I hate cheating in my wife but can’t help the attraction
Never in 50 years did I struggle with same sex attraction
Am I gay? Should I come out?
If you are married to the opposite sex & you are finding yourself being attracted to younger guys from the same sex I wouldn’t say you are gay but I would say that you are bisexual.
It sounds like you are bi.
As 28 yo it’s hard for me to find an older companion who willing to have relationship and struggle with depression it does not help me at all, but I’m still looking for my own happiness without killing myself at the end.