>> Advice >> Younger Gals, No Phone Pals

I am 28 years old and haven't had much experience in the way of relationships. For the most part, I haven't found a woman that I connect with, but about a month ago, I began a telephone relationship with a wonderful woman.

At first I was somewhat hesitant about pursuing a relationship with her because she told me she was 19 years old, and I figured the age difference was significant. But since we really hit it off, I let it slide.

We have been talking every day and I love everything about this woman. We still haven't had sex and agreed not to until (if and when) we're married -- and I am almost convinced that she is the woman I want to spend the rest of my life with. significant. But since we really hit it off, I let it slide.

However, I recently found out that she is turning 18 years old this year. I don't blame her for keeping that from me because I would've dismissed her instantly had I known. I still love her very much but I fear what everyone else will think and say about our age difference. significant. But since we really hit it off, I let it slide.

My heart aches for this woman every waking minute and I know she feels the same way. We are taking everything very, very slowly and plan to continue to do so. I'm not normally the type of guy that would cry openly, but when I think of not being with her, my eyes well up with tears. I have never felt so attached to anyone in my life. What advice do you have for me in dealing with the difference in age? And is there a chance that we can live happily ever after? significant. But since we really hit it off, I let it slide.

Sincerely yours, Gus, AZ significant. But since we really hit it off, I let it slide.

Dear Gus, Congratulations on your special love connection. I believe that anything is possible when there is love in the picture. There are no rules on love and how it is supposed to play out, so stop focusing on the age gap between you and her. significant. But since we really hit it off, I let it slide.

This incredible feeling is real and the reality of your age difference can't make it go away. You sound like you are following your heart without being immature about unrealistic expectations. What you need to focus on is the important values you need to have in a relationship. You need to take the necessary time to create a foundation of trust. This relationship can work out if you are committed to it. significant. But since we really hit it off, I let it slide.

I can assure you that you and she will grow and learn more about love, communication and how to create a relationship if you both just relax and stop worrying so much about tomorrow. If your love is as real as you say it is, then it will only grow. significant. But since we really hit it off, I let it slide.

Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. You sound like a person with a good head on his shoulders and good intentions. Good luck! significant. But since we really hit it off, I let it slide.

I constantly meet pretty woman, talk to them and get their phone numbers, but when I call them, I never get called back. I have even tried several different approaches: significant. But since we really hit it off, I let it slide.

I waited three days before calling; that didn't work. I waited more than a week before calling, finally left a message, but never got a callback. I asked out a woman who said "yes" and gave her my number, and she never called. So what am I doing wrong? I tried to talk to a couple of different females about this, and they all recommended that I keep calling until asked to stop. But I think that's just too creepy. significant. But since we really hit it off, I let it slide.

I usually leave three messages, and if she doesn't return my call, then I assume she is not interested. And if she is too busy to call me back, then I don't think she is someone I would want to go out with anyway. significant. But since we really hit it off, I let it slide.

I seem to be doing everything right when I see an attractive female because I get her number at the end of the conversation. But there is a black hole between that and getting a date. significant. But since we really hit it off, I let it slide.

I've ruled out talking myself out of a date by saying too much too quick because I never get to talk to them. And I ruled out fake phone numbers because I've spoken with these women's roommates and such. significant. But since we really hit it off, I let it slide.

Am I having bad luck, or am I doing something wrong? Before I get another pretty woman's phone number and screw that up, can this be fixed? significant. But since we really hit it off, I let it slide.

Troubled in PA significant. But since we really hit it off, I let it slide.

Dear Troubled, You have to keep in mind that most women are auditory, so something you are saying must be turning them off. This sounds very frustrating, but I have a few suggestions: significant. But since we really hit it off, I let it slide.

Listen to yourself Get a tape recorder and listen to your voice. Have you ever listened to your own voice? Do you have an effeminate tone or high-pitched voice? Some men aren't aware of how they sound over the phone. Are your messages boring? Do they make you sound needy or frustrated? significant. But since we really hit it off, I let it slide.

Adapt a vibe I get a distinct "nice guy" vibe from you without even knowing you. You might be sending out a vibe that seems needy and it may come across without your being aware of it. You need to pick up on the vibes you send and learn what women want. significant. But since we really hit it off, I let it slide.

Have a plan When you call these women up, have a date and location in mind. Most men leave messages like, "Hi Susan, Bob here calling to say hi... give me a call soon! Bye!" significant. But since we really hit it off, I let it slide.

Instead try, "Hey Susan, I enjoyed meeting you on Saturday. I have tickets to a great concert Friday so call me by tomorrow to let me know if you're available! My number is ___-____ and I'm looking forward to seeing you again." significant. But since we really hit it off, I let it slide.

Good luck on your next attempt