I am 50 and have been seeing a women who is 29 years old. Most of my friends think I am crazy, but we get along great, have plenty in common and really do have feelings for each other. Are these relationships that unusual? My friends say they are always destined to fail.

Dave M., Denver CO.

Dear Dave,

Every relationship is different, and that of December-May romances are unique as well. We see plenty of these types of romances and heaven knows there are many well known couples in this catagory. Does Douglas and Zeta-Jones ring a bell?

What is important is how you are together. What can ruin these relationships is dissimliar interests after the romantic period has worn off. But that is true with any relationship.

The only drawback to this type of relationship that we can see is when it comes to family. You do not mention if you have kids, or if she wants kids. What is the drawback? Simply put, typical family life is one of growing old together, being there as equals for the children and in being there period. That is not to say it cannot be done equally well in a December-May romance.

Also when it comes to fathering children at an 'older' age, there is some research to suggest that men aged 45 to 49 were twice as likely to have children with schizophrenia as men under the age of 25. (see link ... NYUMC )

If children and family are not an issue or if they are issues that are covered and both parties agree, enjoy your time together. Age can often be in the eyes of the beholder.

By the way, do your friends turn a nice shade of green when they discuss this with you? ;-)