A New York-based couple often catches attention because of their significant age difference. People sometimes mistake them for father and daughter. Gretchen Dillon, 36, used to only date women. But she met Michael Dillon, 63, at a grocery store in Syracuse, New York, in 2014.
As their friendship blossomed, they swiftly recognized their romantic connection and officially began dating in May 2015. Despite the nearly thirty-year age gap, the couple tied the knot in February 2018 and recently celebrated the arrival of their son, Shannon, who is now six months old.
Even though many mistake Michael for her father and their son’s grandfather, Gretchen remains undeterred by judgment. Gretchen, who works as a market research analyst, remarked,
“People often mistake my husband for my dad – but we laugh it off. Their perceptions quickly change when they get to know Michael and I – they can see we just make sense.”
“My friend tried to stop me marrying him. She kept saying I was going to be a widow because he’s nearly 30 years older than me, but I loved him and didn’t care. I was upset when Michael and I first slept together because in my head I didn’t think I wanted to be with an older man. I took some time and came to terms with it. Now I’m happier than ever.”
They first met at a gas station next to a grocery store, and from there, they kept bumping into each other and hit it off. Gretchen, who had moved from Pennsylvania to Syracuse, New York, found a friendly face in Michael, who worked in insurance. He even offered her a free room and a job to help with his Airbnb. Eventually, their friendship turned into something more, and they officially started dating in May 2015.
Despite Michael being just two years younger than Gretchen’s mom, they didn’t let age get in the way. Michael’s friends were a bit surprised when they learned about the significant age gap, but once they met Gretchen, they saw how well the two fit together. They soon realized that age was just a number for this couple.
“My friends were equally shocked, but their worries went away when they could see how happy I was,” said Gretchen.
Michael popped the question twice. The first time was during Thanksgiving 2017 in front of his family at their home in Washington, D.C. However, Gretchen wasn’t thrilled with the proposal. She had made it clear that she didn’t want a big spectacle or a ring. Instead, Michael presented her with a literal diamond rock, which upset her deeply. Feeling disappointed that he proposed on a technicality, she said no, even in front of his family.
The following day, she was in tears, and they had to have a long conversation to sort things out.
“I cried the entire next day, we had to talk a lot. He proposed to me the second time in December on a sunrise kayaking trip in Florida, so I accepted,” she added.
On their first night together, Gretchen felt let down. She admitted feeling “upset” because, in her mind, she hadn’t imagined herself with an older partner. It took a while for her to get used to the idea of spending her life with Michael, but eventually, she accepted it. Now, she’s happier than ever with their life together.
After being together for three and a half years, the couple tied the knot in February 2018. Following their marriage, they decided to start a family together.
“I did have a friend who tried to put off the wedding, saying: “You’re going to be a widow.’ I chose to cut her out of my life,” she said.
Gretchen and Michael had been married for three years when Gretchen became pregnant in January 2021. They were overjoyed to welcome their first child together in October of the same year. Taking care of their baby Shannon brings them a lot of happiness.
Gretchen thinks Michael is a great dad, especially because he has kids from a previous relationship. Even though he’s not as active as before because of his age, he still loves playing and spending time with Shannon.
“But he’s more like a grandad because he has so much more patience,” she said.
Meanwhile, Michael added, “People think I’m Shannon’s grandad all the time, but I just laugh it off. The hardest thing about being an older dad is Shannon has just started playgroup and he brings home a lot of colds and bugs. The immune system of a 36-year-old is a whole lot better than the immune system of a 63-year-old.”
“I constantly have these colds, it’s exhausting. The hardest physical aspect is getting up in the middle of the night but that’s becoming less and less and Shannon is a joy.”
Michael may be older, but he’s young at heart, and that’s what counts for the couple. They don’t let their age difference define their relationship.
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Source: Daily Mail
