A 29-year-old woman who married a man 45 years her senior has shared her concerns about their relationship.
Many individuals in their mid-20s have relationships with people in their 70s, though these are typically familial bonds with grandparents or older parents.
However, for 29-year-old Stefani, her connection with 74-year-old Don is one of romance.
The two first crossed paths when Stefani was 20, working at a pub where Don would visit for a drink.
Reflecting on their initial encounter in an interview with Love Don’t Judge, she said, “I just thought he was so handsome and he was charming and super flirty.” She added, “And I don’t know, it just made me happy.”
Don soon became a regular at the pub, and their relationship evolved beyond friendship, despite Don being the same age as Stefani’s late father.
Although the couple found happiness together, Stefani’s family had reservations.
“They thought I was making a mistake,” she recalled, while her mom believed Stefani was ‘losing out on a chance to meet somebody that she could grow old with.’
Despite these concerns, the couple married and welcomed a son, Lachlan, who is now a toddler.
The birth of their son brought joy, but also a significant fear for Stefani: becoming a single mother.
At 74, Don has lost several friends and has stated that he’s ‘never been afraid’ of death. Stefani, however, expressed her concerns, saying, “I told him, I said, ‘don’t you dare die in your sleep. Oh, I’d be so mad. I’d be so mad. Don’t do that to me.'”
Despite these fears, Stefani has no regrets about their relationship and even suggested that everyone should consider dating someone 45 years older.
She has faced accusations of being a ‘gold digger’ or staying for a ‘life insurance check’ due to her relationship with an older man, yet she clarifies that she works full-time to support herself.
Some have even insinuated that Don might have been ‘grooming’ her, but Stefani dismisses these allegations, stating, “I really don’t care what people on the street say about it.”
The couple is candid about their relationship and sees no reason to hide it.