Skip to Content

12 Tips For Dating A Younger Man In Your 30s

So you meet someone. He’s great – funny, genuine, authentic, and a good time. The only problem? He’s younger than you. And maybe by quite a bit! If you’re looking for tips for dating a younger man in your 30s, keep reading!

If you’re in your 30s and find yourself attracted to a man who’s a little bit younger, you’ll want to know some tips for dating a younger man. Wouldn’t you? The good news is that there are plenty of ways to make a May-December relationship work.

Fun fact, things like older woman-younger-man relationships and 10-year age gaps tend to get a double take from people. Whether you met on dating apps on IRL, remember that an age difference doesn’t have to be a big deal. If you’re both consenting adults, then go for it! A relationship expert says that one of the most important things is that you have similar values with your partner.

There are a few things you should keep in mind when dating someone significantly younger than yourself. Here are some tips for dating a younger guy that can help make things a bit smoother.

Tips For Dating A Younger Man In Your 30s

1. Don’t make age an issue.

You’re both adults, so the first rule of thumb is to not make age a big deal. It shouldn’t be something that defines your relationship or causes stress. Just let things happen naturally and don’t put too much pressure on either of you.

You don’t have to talk about your ages or call a lot of attention to it. Sure it might come up naturally sometimes but it doesn’t have to be a big deal. Some people might says to date someone your own age but if a woman was interested in older guys would they say the same thing? No.

In your 30s, you realize that older women date older men and younger guys. There’s much more dating around in age than you’d think. You don’t need to date someone your exact age.

In fact, some people say this is your sexual prime. Enjoy it!

2. Be open-minded.

Since you’re the older one in the relationship, you’ll likely be more set in your ways than your younger partner. Try to be open-minded and consider things from their perspective. It’ll make communication a lot easier and can help avoid arguments.

Different life experiences come with varying emotional maturity. You each might be more or less mature than the other expects. Whether this is just a casual relationship or not, going into it with an open mind can improve the experience.

3. Take things slow.

You might be ready for a serious relationship, but your younger partner might not be. It’s important to take things slow and let them move at their own pace. Otherwise, you could end up pushing them away.

There’s no need to rush into a relationship, even with someone younger. You might be looking for a long-term relationship with a younger man but remember those types of relationships are built day by day.

4. Be prepared for some teasing.

If you’re dating a younger man, chances are that your friends and family will tease you about it. They might even give you some well-meaning (but not always accurate) advice. Just ignore the teasing and don’t let it get to you.

There would like be teasing and questions from your friends even if you were a younger woman dating an older man. Being an older woman with a young man doesn’t make you a cougar but your friends might tease you about it.

5. Enjoy the benefits!

One of the best things about dating a younger man is that they tend to be more energetic and fun-loving. They can help you feel young again and can introduce you to new experiences.

There may be differences in your experiences and expectations, but as long as you’re both open-minded and communicate well, there’s no reason why a relationship with a younger man can’t work. Just enjoy it and see where things go!

6. Be yourself – don’t try to act younger when dating a younger man in your 30s.

There are no hard and fast rules for dating a younger man in your 30s. You may find yourself attracted to guys who are quite a bit younger than you, or perhaps you might be eager to experiment with a new type of relationship that defies social conventions. 

The most important advice for dating a younger man is to be yourself. Do not try to change to impress your partner or conform to their expectations.

According to dating expert Dr. Carla Manly, this is important for all relationships. It might be a reason past relationships didn’t work out.

It’s tempting to act more fabulous, stylish, or funnier than you are, but this will only make you feel awkward and uncomfortable. Just relax and be yourself – he’ll appreciate and understand your genuine self more than a made-up version. 

One essential tip for dating someone younger is to learn how to recognize when you are not yourself. This can happen in subtle ways, such as: 

  • Talking too much about work or other responsibilities or 
  • Engaging in behaviors like drinking too much alcohol or 
  • Staying out too late partying on the weekends. 

It’s best to remain true to yourself and your values while also understanding and appreciating your partner’s perspective. 

Being authentic will help ensure that you and your partner feel understood and appreciated in the relationship. Above all else, know that this can take practice – listen more than you talk and pay attention whenever something feels off or uncomfortable. Over time, you’ll learn to navigate these tricky waters without losing your sense of self with effort and openness.

7. Talk about what you both want from the relationship early on.

This is especially important if you’re looking for something long-term. You don’t want to waste your time or his if you’re not on the same page. Talk about your expectations, and what you both want out of the relationship, and be sure that you’re on the same page before moving forward.

Making a relationship with a significant age difference work can be tricky, but it is possible. Just remember to be yourself, communicate openly, and be respectful of each other’s needs and wants. With a little bit of effort, you can have a great time – no matter the age difference.

Mature women often feel pressured by society to listen to their biological clock. In fact, younger women are pressured by this too. Don’t let other people’s expectations impact your decisions.

8. Don’t make any assumptions about what the relationship will be like.

Assuming he’ll want something different from you in a relationship because he’s younger is a mistake. It’s unfair to him, and it’s unfair to you. The best way to approach dating a younger man is with an open mind. 

One of the biggest hurdles many people encounter when dating someone significantly younger is having different views or ideas about certain things. He might want something different from what you’re used to, but that doesn’t mean it won’t be just as good (or even better).

For example, if you’re used to going out for fancy dinners every weekend, but he prefers more casual activities like hiking or camping, be willing to compromise and try something new together. 

Being open-minded allows you to get to know him and figure out what you both want from the relationship. It also sets the tone for a more honest and respectful relationship. So don’t go into it with any assumptions – just be yourself and see where things go!

9. Discuss important topics, such as children and marriage, before things get too serious.

When dating a younger man in your 30s, it’s essential to be open and honest about your expectations for the relationship. You should make sure that your expectations are reasonable. 

It’s essential to communicate openly with your partner about your needs and expectations, especially when there’s such a big age difference. Before getting serious, make sure you’re on the same page about sex, communication, and relationship goals. Otherwise, misunderstandings and resentment could damage the relationship down the line.

This will help ensure that you and he are on the same page regarding key relationship issues. For example, if you know that you eventually want children, but he doesn’t, you may find yourself feeling resentful or frustrated in the future. Or maybe you’ve always dreamed of getting married one day, but he has no interest in marriage at all – which could lead to serious conflict. Is he looking for something long term and a committed relationship?

It’s best to discuss these topics early on to avoid any problems later. Don’t be afraid to take the lead with your younger boyfriend.

10. Communicate openly.

In general, younger men tend to be less assertive or confident than their older counterparts, so if you’re used to taking charge in other aspects of your life, don’t hesitate to do so when it comes to dating. This doesn’t mean that you should dominate the conversation or try to make all of the decisions – but don’t be afraid to guide him gently in the direction you want things to go.

Don’t assume that your needs and wants will “mesh” with his; it’s much better to openly discuss them and come to a mutual agreement rather than becoming a source of conflict or resentment. And remember – communication is key! So be open and honest about your feelings, needs, and desires, no matter how awkward or uncomfortable they may feel in the moment.

11. Do things that make you happy.

Just because you’re dating someone younger, doesn’t mean your life has to change. Do things that make YOU happy and don’t worry about what other people might think.

This is your life and you should live it the way that makes YOU happy. If going out clubbing every weekend is your thing, but he’s not into that scene, don’t feel like you have to give it up just to please him. And if he wants to go out and do something that you’re not into, don’t be afraid to say no.

It’s important to find a balance between doing new things together and doing your own thing. You don’t want to lose yourself in the relationship, but you also don’t want to force him to do things that he doesn’t enjoy. Just because he’s younger, doesn’t mean he has to compromise his own happiness to make you happy. So find a middle ground and stick to it!

12. Be confident.

One of the most attractive things about dating a younger man is that you can feel confident and secure in yourself. You know who you are, what you want, and where you’re going in life. And that’s incredibly attractive to a younger man who might be feeling lost or uncertain of his own future.

So embrace your confidence and let it shine! Don’t be afraid to show off your accomplishments or share your opinions. He’ll respect you for it and it’ll only make him feel more attracted to you.

Embrace what you bring to the relationship! You have more life experience now than you did in your early 20s. If you’re dating a younger person, there are bound to be some differences in your age group.

In conclusion: Tips For Dating a Younger Man In Your 30s

Dating a younger man in your 30s can be an exciting and rewarding experience if you go into it with an open mind and realistic expectations. Whether you’re just starting as a couple or have been together for years, always strive to stay true to yourself while remaining understanding and flexible with your partner’s perspective.

And above all else, never forget that this dynamic takes practice – so don’t be too hard on yourself if things get tricky! The main thing that matters is your happiness. Good luck!

About the Author

The GenThirty Team is a collaborative team of writers and creatives behind GenThirty.com.