'I met my boyfriend when I was 18 – he's 23 years older but age is just a number'

A woman has been mercilessly mocked online after she shared the story of how she met her boyfriend - who is more than twice her age - but she says she's not bothered by the age gap

Age is merely a number for some, but the majority would agree that a significant age difference can lead to complications in a relationship. However, if there's a connection and happiness, and both parties are consenting adults, age may become less important.

Ellie Liptrot shared her story of how she met her "44-year-old boyfriend" in a 'get ready with me' video on TikTok, responding to a fan's request for a "story time".

Despite being only 21, Ellie frequently shares content about her experiences as a stepmother to her boyfriend's children. Her followers often comment that she "seems content" and remind her that "as long as you're happy that's all that matters".

She revealed that she first met Mark, her partner, in December 2021 when she was 18 and he was 41. They are now 21 and 44 respectively.

Ellie recounted how she and a friend ended up with Mark's number during a Christmas night out, leading to an unexpected friendship group forming between them and Mark. Despite initially ignoring their messages, Mark eventually picked them up and they didn't return home "until 7am" because Mark was "having the time of his life".

This group Ellie, her friend, the friend who provided Mark's number, and Mark himself began to spend a lot of time together. However, by March 2022, Ellie realised she had feelings for Mark that went beyond friendship.

She recounted their lodge visit where Mark supposedly kissed her, leading to a humorous dispute over who initiated their relationship.

"I think I practically moved in with you [afterwards]", Ellie quipped, prompting Mark's witty retort: "It's called getting your feet under the table". Ellie then playfully accused him of trying to "act all big and clever on TikTok".

By June 2022, Ellie had met Mark's children and within a week they began living together "full time". Ellie humorously credited her appetite for their meeting, saying, "If I hadn't been such a greedy girl that night and wanted food, I would never have met Mark".

She went on to say that Mark previously owned a smoothie shop in their "small town", and mused that they would've likely met eventually since she frequented the shop as a child.

In the comments section, one person argued there were "so many red flags" regarding their union. However, others rallied in support of the couple, insisting "they're happy and have no problems at all".

Another remarked on the unconventional nature of their romance: "Slightly sketchy sounding meeting but you seem happy together."

There was solidarity from those in similar age-gap relationships, including a woman who shared" "My husband is 16 years younger than me and he's my world and it works".

Meanwhile, a commenter reminded everyone: "Some people forget the beauty about your own life is you can do as you please".

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