I am nearing 40 and never considered (nor really had the opportunity) to date someone a lot younger... Until I met him.

A man fifteen years my junior; gentle, smart, driven and handsome. Oh so handsome! I met him at work, where I held a position of authority over him. The first few weeks I simply enjoyed the interactions we had. He would just get it when I asked something and would always display incredible work ethics. Over a period of time, I realised I looked forward to the meetings he was attending and the exchanges we would have, even when going to work didn't look so appealing in peak covid season.

Each time I saw him there was this thing. The "I see you" thing, the "I would love to be alone with you" thing, the "I'm doing everything I can to keep my cool around you" thing. The indescribable yet subtly discernible thing floating in the air when you like someone and they like you back, but neither of you can act on it.

When I told him I was leaving at the end of the project he expressed disappointment and among other pleasant words he asked me if I could reconsider. It made no sense but it felt good.

I probably won't see him or hear from him ever again and I have spent some time fantasizing and grieving what could have been.

But he opened my eyes and my heart to younger men. Funny when you know I previously had a conversation with a friend during which I mentioned that she shouldn't limit her dating prospects to men our age or older!

I'd be curious to know if any of you had an experience like this, an impossible relationship that touched your heart and made you shift your perspective.