A woman has revealed her relationship with a man 51 years her senior and says people have dubbed their romance “disturbing” – including family members.
Diana Montano wasn’t looking for love when she met Edgar through a mutual friend.
But as she laid eyes on him, sparks flew.
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The 25-year-old, who hasn’t been in a relationship with someone older before, was sceptical about how people would react; especially her family.
And they weren’t all too pleased when meeting the pensioner for the first time.
But Diana doesn’t care what anybody else thinks and says her relationship with Edgar is the most “intimate and passionate” one she’s ever been in.
“I’ve had some family members who don’t agree and think I’m ruining my life,” the licensed vocational nurse told What’s The Jam.
“But it doesn’t bother me too much.
“I understand how my relationship may appear at first glance, but I know I am happy.
“I had originally planned to talk to my mum privately about it, but I ended up speaking to her when other family members were nearby.
“You could tell by her facial expressions she was not thrilled by the idea of it – but my aunt was so supportive.
“My dad had a similar reaction; I couldn’t totally tell what he was thinking, but he wasn’t very happy.
“Luckily, my parents understand I am an adult who makes my own decisions.
“All they want is for me to be careful.
“My friends were definitely surprised when I told them, but they love Edgar.
“Sadly, online, it’s a different story.”
Diana and Edgar have had their relationship called “disturbing” and “disgusting” by strangers.
They’ve also been sent harsh criticism, such as: “Your parents did a horrible job”, “This should be illegal” and “I hope you die before him”.
While the pair expected the onslaught of hate, and have learned to deal with it in their own way, they wish people wouldn’t always assume the worst.
Diana said: “The comments are extreme; but they make us laugh.
“I’ve also had a lot of positive words, with people asking how they can find a relationship like ours and asking if Edgar has any brothers.
“For us, though, our age gap isn’t the centre of our relationship.
“Yes, it’s obvious, and we’ve had people stare at us in public.
“But everything with him feels so natural.
“Our conversations flow, he treats me with respect and he’s actually so full of life.”
The pair’s romance began when Edgar asked their mutual friend, whom he had previously dated, for Diana’s number in July 2023.
She said: “He seemed like a gentleman and completely respectful.
“I didn’t initially think I would end up getting into a relationship with him since he was so much older than me.
“But he was so handsome.
“My feelings grew after a few months and he told me he liked me from the first day we met and wanted to keep seeing me.”
After a year of back and forth messaging, the pair flew to Hawaii and made things official.
Diana, from San Diego, US, said: “He confessed he wishes he was younger so I’d marry him.
“I said I’d marry him as he is now.
“We talked more about our feelings seriously after that and when we got back from our trip, I said yes to being his girlfriend.
“It’s just a very exciting, passionate and happy dynamic.
“He makes me want to take care of him and be patient.
“Edgar brings out the best in me – and I bring out the best in him.
“Any fear I have of suddenly losing him is similar to the fear I have with others in my life.
“It doesn’t have to do with his age, since he’s extremely healthy and fit.
“I think of him more as a 50-year-old.”
Edgar has recently taken on a skydive and regularly goes skiing, hiking and to the gym.
Diana says he’s more active than most people her age.
With a zest for life, they go travelling every two months to explore the world.
For now, though, they’re taking in spending each moment together and hope to share their love story to inspire others – and break the stereotype.
Diana added: “It’s a very healthy relationship, which is difficult to find at my age, as there’s so many toxic people out there.
“I’m able to maintain my freedom and live life how I want.
“I feel more inclined to be my true self.
“Although we’ve both found happiness in each other, it’s in spite of our ages.
“But if anyone is getting inspired by our relationship and desires a relationship with an age gap, be mindful that they can be tricky.
“I’m very lucky to have met Ed and that he’s been such an amazing person to me, but it’s not always that case in age gap relationships.
“People should always be attentive to how those they date act, because the risk of emotional, physical and financial abuse increases as your partner’s age does.
“But I love being with someone who is mature, patient and understanding.
“I’ve met my soulmate; there’s no one my age like him.”
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