[whit4488]

i can totally understand where your coming from, your family is a lot like mine. sometimes they are a little TOO COMFORTABLE with the fact that we are family and they think they can abuse their rights to share their opinions, good or bad and it always seems like the BAD. well im 22 and my boyfriend is 40...and its been VERY difficult for my father to accept, at first my entire family was against it, and when they saw how much he did for me and how truly genuine he was...they felt more comfortable with it. age is just a number, its all about the connection. but dont be afraid of your family because they will come around, remember they have to love and accept you either way! in my opinion you might have to be a little snobby about it and just say, HEY, IM REALLY HAPPY, AND I WISH MY OWN FAMILY WOULD SEE THAT AND BE SUPPORTIVE! let them see that you are an adult, and no you might not have all the answers, your still growing, but come on...your 18..which woman are more mature than men...so that makes you 21 and men are immature for their age so that makes him about 23...so what! tell them together, tell them all the great things you do together, rub in it their face a little. i went over to my parents and showed them the THINGS he bought me and tell them about how often he takes me to dinner and how he surprised me with this and how he got a promotion at his job. sell the guy to them, if they arent willing to meet him and give him a chance to prove himself, you gotta do the work for him. good luck