Age difference

Wait and see if he does ask you out - but, as others have already said, just be careful and, if the conversation turns to loans of money or similar, step away and don't get involved any further.

I only go to church once or twice a month, Church is for religious reasons not for dating. I am wondering whether to go on Sunday. If I do, my friends will think it is because of Mario. If I don't, he may well find someone better....

Decisions, decisions!

As others have posted, I'd be careful, not just of this guy but anyone new in your life - I'd take things slowly whether it was a friendship or any other sort of relationship. That said, maybe he is new to the area and looking to make friends, maybe he saw you as the most approachable of the group or maybe he is attracted to you. You say you look younger than your age - perhaps he does too. Anyway, I wouldn't worry too much about any potential age gap as a lot of people have great relationships with quite big age differences - if you get on well, can trust each other, have common interests or can accept each doing their own chosen activities/hobbies etc then why worry about age? I'm only 5 years older than my partner of 30+ years and am glad I worked through initial doubts/worries. Just keep your guard up but allow yourself to be happy, to make new friends, and who knows, maybe a relationship with a good-looking, sexy-voiced Italian. Good luck if you do go on a date.

If you don’t want him, send him to me!

Ooo the gigalo, go for it, age is just a number.
My gd is 18 her bf is 28 what can I say.

Go for it annaram just enjoy his company and be sensible. Don't over think this, we are all entitled to some fun in life. Good luck

My brother married a woman 15 years younger. Sadly the marriage didn't work out. Mainly because he already had two children and she was young enough to want her own children. I don't think this problem will arise with you!

MawBroon, thank you for your suggestion. I am now into my second book but who knows, the next one could be about age difference.

If you'd like some male company then go for it BUT if he ever asks for money dump him quick.

My DH is 13 years younger than me.
Vive la Difference!
We're unbeatable at pop quizzes!

Italian men are known to be very good to their mothers so I am sure you will be safe enough with him, subject to sensible precautions on your part regarding meeting in public places etc.
As you are a writer, who knows, this could give you the plot for another novel?

Enjoy!....while staying safe in ways others have suggested. I have had many male friends over the years, one in particular was much younger than I. This one could have gone further had I not been married. It stopped when I realised he reminded me of my husband as a young man and I put the feelings back where they belonged.... DH knew about ALL my friendships too....

Keep your wits about you and just go with the flow! Don’t over think it.

What are your gut feelings? They're usually to be trusted. Look before you leap would be my advice but why not enjoy getting to know a new friend, it doesn't have to lead to romance if you're not interested in a new partner.

Well said GabriellaG. Life is too short for us all to be over suspicious. Being sensible is enough. Best of luck!

I know one gentleman who used to do the rounds of churches looking for ladies. He finally found the right church and the right person .......... He married the lady minister. Works for some!

beat say

I am 68. I go on daring sites. I would not go out with someone younger than 60. Friendship is different though. Have you asked other church goers what they know about him?

Ramblingrose, he said his wife died a couple of years ago, and he took early retirement and came to England where his daughters live.
He dresses beautifully and drives a nice car.
I think he is better off than I am.

My husband and I met through attending the same church. He's ten years younger than me, fit, handsome and was considered to be quite a catch - and we've been very happily married for more than thirty years. I didn't anticipate that we would fall in love as we were simply good friends for a long time before that happened.

Just be careful. It isn’t only on the internet that people are targeted and then get taken for a ride and lose their savings. He will also know where you live.
Sorry if that sounds paranoid.

Do whatever you feel comfortable with. Age is simply a number and what does it matter if he is older or younger than you, not a bit in my book. Life is for living and enjoying, not wasting.

Have fun.

Annaram1
I wouldn't worry about age. He hasn't asked how old you are has he, so he probably thinks you are similar ages especially as you beat you look younger.
Wow! Go for it but make sure to be in a place where there are lots of other people and do not go home alone in his car...not till you have some background on him.
The cinema isn't, IMO, a good place for a first date. You can't talk and get to know each other. He might think it's ok to put his hand on your knee in the dark or something a bit familiar for a first meeting.
Whatever happens, enjoy and keep safe (and do some background checks with his name and electoral register and 192 people finder, both free)
I met my OH on a dating site in 2013 and we're still happily a couple despite a 52/74 gap. I'm the oldie.

Enjoy his company and don’t assume he is after anything but be cautious. Keep us posted we can then enjoy your young Italian vicariously ! Xx

Annaram1 - he might be married back in Italy. Had you thought of that?

Sounds like a potential golddigger so watch out!