This concept has come up in several different conversations in the last few weeks. Is age “only a number”? How old is too old for…anything?!

In 2022, if everyone is a consenting adult, age really shouldn’t be an issue when it comes to love.

I’m currently reading the lovely Abby Jimenez story Part of Your World. There’s a ten-year age gap between the older, accomplished Alexis and her beau Daniel. No spoilers (because I’m currently reading!) but I think they’ll figure it out.

Kai doesn’t struggle with his age (much!) when it comes to Holland:

Changing out of a suit and into jeans earlier, I felt like a blundering teenager getting ready to pick up a girl for our first date. Parking my sixty-year-old car on the street, I curse myself for being a dirty old man scamming on a girl half my age.

She is not half my age, I remind myself. I’ve done the math. She’s half my age, plus seven years. And according to the internet, that’s just about right. Right? I’ve been with younger women before. Hell, I’ve been with women younger than Holland. This is different.

—Kai in Holland, My Heart

I discussed this with a wise woman recently—my friend is a retired English teacher who grew up in a very devout church family. She pointed out that Kai is probably significantly older than Boaz would have been. Ha! Fair point.

All of which is to say, here’s the answer key. If you were wondering.

• Naomi is 55

• Kai is 40

• Holland is 27

• Ximena is 23

At least, that’s what my writing notes say. 🤓