Dear Pastor,

Does age matter? I am 19 and dating a man who is 10 years older than I. My mom is driving me crazy saying that I should leave him and that he may take advantage of me. Whenever I visit him she says that I am not supposed to do so anymore. I'm so confused.

Please tell me what to do. I need your help.

S.A., Phoenix, Arizona

Dear S.A.,

Age plays a great part in a relationship. Some young women love older men and would never date or marry a young man. On the other hand, some women prefer to have men in their age group. Some young women claim that older men take better care of them and they are respectful and helpful. Nevertheless, one should always remember that some older men are very jealous and always want to know just about every movement of the younger women. Some young women are very faithful to older men, while others keep younger men as lovers on the side, so to speak.

Your parents cannot choose for you, the choice really is yours but do not ignore what they are saying. Weigh the matter carefully.

Pastor