Dear Coleen

I FANCY WOMAN 15 YEARS OLDER

I HAVE feelings for an older woman I met through my daughter’s school. She’s a single divorcee and her little girl is in my daughter’s class. I’m also single after breaking up with my long-term partner 18 months ago.

I’m 30 and the woman I like is 45, so it’s a pretty big age gap. We get on really well and share the same sense of humour, and we definitely flirt with each other.

But when I asked her out for a drink once, she politely turned me down, making some excuse about not being able to find a babysitter.

The thing is, I’m sure she fancies me, too, but is probably hung up on the age gap.

I don’t know whether to admit to her how I feel or just let it go. Any suggestions? the end of the day, you have to consider how it’ll be in the years to come. How will things work when she’s 60 and you’re 45?

Of course age-gap relationships can work, but they can also be a challenge when you’re at very different stages in life. If I were in that situation, I know I’d think it was too big an age gap.

And, perhaps by politely turning down your offer of a drink, that’s what this woman is trying to tell you.

I’m sure she is flattered and fancies you, but she doesn’t want things to go beyond that.

You could tell her how you feel, but be prepared that she won’t give you the answer you want.

And think about whether it would spoil your friendship or make things awkward at school.