Hi Lucia,

I know you advocate older women dating younger men, but this is the reverse situation. I’m 21, and I’ve been dating a 47-year-old man for seven months. He moved in a few weeks ago, and he has asked me to marry him.

He is really romantic and I love him a lot, but when we go out I see people look at us like they are judging me and the age gap between us. Should I marry him, or should I break it off? —Billie

Hi Billie,

Even though I believe in older women dating younger men, when it comes to marriage, I generally tell them to wait until the guy (but in this case, you) is at least 25. That’s because the part of the brain responsible for making decisions isn’t fully developed until that age. It’s crazy, I know, but it has been scientifically proven.

Also, marriage is something not to be taken lightly (unlike a certain Kim K. did), and at age 21 it’s hard to fully comprehend exactly what you’re getting into.

This is the age when you should be sowing your wild oats and dating – meaning, exploring what it’s like to be with different types of guys. Please note I’m not saying you should be sleeping with all of them.

However, your guy has already moved in, so unless you’re willing to have him move out, continue dating, but please wait until you are more mature in order to decide whether to marry him or anyone else!

Write to Lucia at theartoflove.net. Read an excerpt from Lucia’s Lessons of Love at lessonsoflove.net. Listen to Lucia live every Sunday at 3 p.m. PST on latalkradio.com. Remember: Love inspires, empowers, uplifts and enlightens.