Thumbs up Sam I Am and MissBlue.

Lola, why does it have to be someone closer in age? You're having a conversation or hanging out...not getting married. Granted, chances are you'll have more in common with someone closer to your age...but either you have stuff to talk about and enjoy talking with each other or not, no matter what your age (or age difference). I wouldn't spend time with someone I didn't click with that approached me, period. I spent well over an hour talking to a man in Negril probably in his 70s (20 + years older) and thoroughly enjoyed it. But for that, I assume I'm not labelled?

Back to MissBlue's last comment....people have their mind in the gutter and are making their judgements on that. I don't think the main issue behind the linked article is age difference...may be that it's one common aspect of it, but I assume there'd be some nice looking gigolos closer to my age as well....if that were what I was looking for. It seems the typcial Romance Tourist is looking for a young man....but others that are simply enjoying company/friendship over a vacation, it's about clicking personalities, not age. If two people are over 21, and neither are unduly controlling or manipulating the other, or purposefully misleading the other...I don't see a problem in hanging out. It's when one has an agenda to use or rip off or abuse the other, that is the issue. And when it comes to that, IMO, anyone over the age of 21 is on an equal playing field when it comes to morals and values.

The idea that people should know better....ie: an older man needs to know that if a young woman is interested in him, it is only for his money? Therefore, an older woman should know that if a younger man is interested in her, it's only for her money? What if she doesn't have much money, does that count? By the same token, a wealthy man (who may be young or old, attractive or not so much) should know, that any woman who is interested in him, is only after his money? And vice versa? Sure, there are common pitfalls in any relationship that isn't close to equal in age or money matters, even as far as attractiveness goes, and it's smart for anyone in that type of relationship or friendship to be smart and careful. But it does come down to a lot of stereotypes and biases that aren't always applicable. And...who's going to define the "acceptable" closer in age value? Is it 10, 5, 2 years? What's the acceptable income difference value?