When it comes to relationships, marriage, or love, people often say, “age is just a number, what matters is the love we share, maturity, etc.” This statement suggests that age should not limit or define how you feel about someone, but rather the more important things to focus on are your interests, feelings, and the qualities an individual possesses.
While this sounds sweet and very convincing, ultimately, relationships based on this sentiment are often unable to stand the test of time. Many relationships start with such enthusiasm but end in great disappointment.
I remember when I was very young, I met a grown woman I thought I was in love with, and I tried hard to convince her that age is just a number. I tried to be a listening partner, comforting, supportive, always there for her, and to maintain a healthy company. Despite all that, I was frustrated that she wasn’t accepting me as a lover, only as a friend.
When I insisted, she told me, “Young man, what you feel for me is not what you see in me. Your feelings could be misleading you.” She further asked me if I had seen the naked picture of an old woman before. I was surprised by such a statement. She added, “That is who I am, and that is what you get when you pursue me. I believe your feelings will change after confronting this reality.”
I felt she was right and backed off with the image of a naked old woman in my mind. No matter how much you are interested in someone or how you feel about them, please pay attention to the age gap if it is significant. Besides the issues of fertility in marriage, physical attraction is very important. Shared interests, goals, beliefs, and what friends and family say about your relationship can have an influence.
Don’t just be carried away when you hear “age is just a number.” Don’t let loneliness make you feel age is unimportant. Age might just be a number, but numbers do not lie. Your relationship or feelings might end after facing reality.
In conclusion, “Being excited about something is not enough. You must also know what you are doing. Don’t rush into something, or you might do it wrong” – Proverbs 19:2 (ERV).
Frank Edem Adofoli (Counselor Adofoli)
Counsellor, ADR Practitioner, Conference Speaker & Author.
The post Counselor Adofoli Writes: Is age just a number? appeared first on MyNewsGh.
