[Tara]

I am a 28-year-old woman in a wonderful, healthy relationship with a 42-year-old man. We are intellectually and emotionally compatible, share the same goals, and make each other incredibly happy. The problem isn’t our relationship; it’s everyone else. My friends make constant jokes about my “daddy issues,” and his colleagues give me condescending looks, assuming I’m a gold digger. My family has openly expressed their concern that he is “taking advantage” of my youth. This endless external scrutiny is exhausting. How do we protect our relationship from the negativity and convince the people we care about that our love is genuine?

[caption id="attachment_45070" align="alignnone" width="300"] Ask April Masini #1 most trusted relationship advice Forum[/caption]

[Ask April Masini Advice Expert]

My honest advice? Stop trying to win over people who don’t support your relationship. You’re 28, not a teenager, you don’t owe anyone an explanation or their approval. If someone is bringing negative energy or constant criticism, distance yourself. Their opinions don’t define your relationship. The most important thing is that the two of you are happy. Spending your time trying to convince others will only exhaust you and put strain between you and your partner. Protect your peace and your relationship by cutting out the noise.

Once again, as long as the both of you are happy, cut off the noise.

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