My father was 40, my mother was 24 when they met. They were married, and happily so, until the day he died, for over 15 years. And if he were still alive, I have absolutely no doubt that they would be together still. So should he have been ashamed that he was 16 years older than his wife? That they had a stable happy relationship, and both were loyal to each other to the end? That they raised three kids in a normal two parent home, which most of my friends whose parents were the same age could never claim? Some people just mature faster than others, and need to be with someone older. Others need someone who will grow with them, it all depends on the person. No issue is ever black and white, especially when it comes to love.