I was 17 when I met my partner who was 23. After 8 years of dating we married. We've been happily married for the past 11 years and have two kids together. My parents were very concerned when we started dating, but I knew to my core that I wanted to be with him - not because of his age, but rather because of who he is. We are equals in the true sense of the word. Rather than assume there is always something wrong with such relationships, we should instead be aware that all relationships can potentially have inequities, irrespective of age differences, and ensure that our friends and family feel loved and supported.