DM Therapy: Lafayette Weighs In on Acceptable Age Gaps in Relationships

It was another spicy round of 'DM Therapy' from DJ Digital in the Morning on Hot 107.9, and Lafayette was definitely buzzing with advice! The question at hand: What's an appropriate age difference in relationships? After a Lafayette native opened up about her father's penchant for dating younger women—often around her age—it sparked quite the discussion.

This brave lady isn’t just grappling with the awkwardness of her father's dating choices. There's the added complexity of these girlfriends befriending her, only to seek emotional support when things south with Pops. It’s a ride she’s tired of, but the connection to her dad makes it a hard cycle to break.

I'm a 34-year-old woman from Lafayette with a unique dilemma. My father has a thing for dating younger women, often around my age. Ever since my parents split ten years ago, he hasn’t maintained a relationship longer than 6 to 8 months. The thing is, younger women have always been his preference; he even cheated on my mother multiple times with women half his age.

While I try not to judge my father's choices, there's an unintended consequence of his dating habits: these women, being close to my age, naturally tend to befriend me. Yet, when their flings with my father end (often because of his actions), they turn to me for emotional support. It's an incredibly awkward position for me, having to console them while also staying loyal to my father, even when I believe he's in the wrong.

I've tried distancing myself from these fleeting relationships, but my father and I are close. He consistently involves his girlfriends in our shared activities, whether it's dinners, vacations, or even going to local events. This makes it nearly impossible for me not to form some bond with them.

Just recently, after a fun night at Rhythms, his latest girlfriend—who is 36—sent me a friend request. I'm torn, y’all. I just can’t do this again. But, while I'm exhausted from the emotional rollercoaster, I also don't want to stir up any drama with my father. What should I do?

But, enough about that drama, let's talk about YOUR thoughts on age differences in relationships! The Facebook comments were on fire, y'all. Let's break it down:

1. Age Relative to Family: Many of you felt dating someone younger than your parents or older than your adult children is a no-go. I mean, imagine if your partner and your parent were in the same grade? 😳
2. It’s About Maturity: Some folks pointed out that a 30-year-old dating a 20-year-old might raise eyebrows. But, a 30 dating a 40 or even a 40 with a 50? Seems to be about where everyone's head is at in life. It's the vibe and the connection, right?
3. It's Just a Number: Loads of you are living proof that age is merely a number. With relationships spanning age differences of 10, 15, and even 20 years, y'all showed that love is way deeper than the date on a driver's license.
4. Legal and Consensual: Now, the prevailing sentiment was crystal clear: as long as everyone's of legal age, the rest is up to the individuals. If it ain't your relationship, it ain't your business. Just make sure it's legal, folks. No funny business!
5. Personal Preferences: We all have them. While one person wouldn’t date anyone younger, another prefers someone within a 10-year range, give or take.

Bottom line? From the sassy to the sentimental, the consensus seems to be this: when it comes to love, age is just one of many factors. It might make for fun chit-chat on the radio or some juicy gossip at Rhythms, but in the end, love is a deeply personal journey.

Tell us what YOU think! Add your own comment to the Facebook post above or tune into Hot 107.9, starting every weekday morning at 6 a.m. for more hot topics with DJ Digital in the Morning with Caroline & RV!

Got something on your mind or a situation that needs "therapy?" Drop us a DM and you could be featured on the show! ✌🏼