Dating : Woman with protective, old fashioned parents in early 20s trying to date older man. Need Advice.

Dating : Woman with protective, old fashioned parents in early 20s trying to date older man. Need Advice.

I 21f started talking to 28m. We met online first and then in person. It’s still very much new and we’re getting to know each other, but I actually like him.

I would prefer my parents not to know about my private life until i’m ready for them to meet someone (aka nearing official relationship), but this never happens. Thin walls, behavioral changes, etc. and they always find out.

One parent knows everything and does not like it, the other knows i’m talking to someone but that’s it, but i’m certain would flip a lid if they found out how we met and the age gap. I think they may tell the other soon about the age and maybe how we met. I’m scared they’ll forbid me and it’s actually causing anxiety.

I still live at home, about to start professional school. I’m probably going to make the brutal commute every day because if I took out loans to leave i’d likely have to move back home after graduation to be able to pay them back.

So far from what I know, we are both students pursuing post-grad degrees, he’s respectful, polite, consistent, conversation is amazing, we have similar belief systems and values. I can actually be myself around him and he’s not intimidated by my accomplishments or goals. Everything he’s told me about himself I have been able to verify online that it is true.

I am very mature for my age and responsible and high achieving, but he is definitely more experienced than me with relationships as i’ve always put it on the backburner. Aside from that, when i’m with him or talking to him, the age is a non factor because it feels like we’re on the same level and page.

I understand that my parent is looking at it from a predatory standpoint. I have really strong instincts and nothing is setting them off right now, but i’m very cautious and don’t want to be naive.

We’re both looking for something long term and taking things slow to see if we’re compatible.

Any advice or opinions are welcome. Is the age gap too much? I don’t know what to do if they don’t approve. I don’t like people very often and there’s something there that’s rare for me, so I would like to continue getting to know him.