I know we talk about antis a lot here but there's one thing in particular when it comes to fiction and antis that really really irks me more than others. And that's this terrible fear and hate for relationships with significant age gaps in fiction.

They just automatically assume that if there's an age gap then the older person must automatically be some sort of manipulative abuser who only wants to be with someone younger because they're sick and twisted.

Obviously irl some age gaps are inappropriate, especially involving people under 18, no question about that. But to assume that there's always a power imbalance in favour of the older person and that they're automatically some twisted degenerate because they're dating younger is ridiculous, especially when it's fictional.

I have met some very horrible, manipulative, borderline psychopathic teenagers who were compulsive liars who were clearly aware of what they were doing and I've also met some very naive and gullible adults that made me question how they get by in life. While age does bestow some maturity and life experience, it does in no way tell you whether someone is going to be abusive, manipulative, have power over others etc.

As someone who has been a fan of age gap romance and smut stories since I was in high school, it drives me up the wall this hysterical attitude towards age gap ships and fics.

I remember thinking how 'spicy' it would be to be with an older man as a young woman and such. You know, typical teenage Johnny Depp fantasies back in the olden days haha!

There, I got it off my chest. Thanks!