A woman who married her best friend's dad - who's twice her age - has said it's taken her a while to get used to the judgemental stares, but now just ignores anyone who looks down on their relationship.
Taylor Lehman, 27, says that her and her 54-year-old husband, Kern, are often compared to Catherine Zeta-Jones and Michael Douglas - another couple who have a famously large age gap.
The couple, who are from Phoenix, Arizona, met through Kern's daughter and Taylor's best friend, Amanda.
Taylor explained: "When we first met, I worked with Kern's daughter, she was my best friend and he was married at the time. I was also in a relationship.
Advert
"At first I thought he was very handsome. I have always been attracted to older guys. He thought I was cute, and we started flirting at the bar.
"Amanda and I had been friends for a year before I got with her dad, so I did have a lot of guilt and felt bad at first.
"But over time I have gotten over that. She knows I will always be there for her in her life and problems.
"Kern is very handsome, and I adore how he carries himself, he's so educated, smart and successful.
Advert
"Our similarities between Catherine Zeta-Jones and Michael Douglas, I think are more apt for me than him.
"They have a similar age gap to us. She is brunette and he has silver hair, like us, but Kern is way better looking than Michael Douglas."
Taylor also said that not everyone was accepting of their relationship, but over time family members have embraced it.
Advert
"At the beginning my parents were kind of concerned, my mom was upset that this was my friend's dad, but they know I've always dated older men," she said.
"But time heals everything though and my mom, dad and step mom have visited us and are all fine with it."
Kern and Taylor tied the knot in an intimate 25-person ceremony in Cancun, Mexico, last year.
"We found out we had a lot in common, but I don't think either of us expected we would get married," Taylor said.
Advert
"We thought it would be a rebound thing for us both.
"But, we hit it off, we like the same music and are both old souls. I fell in love with him for his personality, it made him so attractive to me.
"He is fun, outgoing, we both like to party, and he was charming. I appreciate his age, wisdom and also, the security we have as a couple."
Instead of having plans for children in the future, the loved-up couple are happy with the freedom of their lifestyle.
Advert
"Why would I want to change at that part of his life," Taylor added. "Honestly, I love my life, we enjoy the freedom of traveling and having fun together.
"Every year we spend a week in Mexico, it's fun but it's a party. We have a lot of alcohol and fun.
"I am very domesticated, too. Love being home, cooking and house work. We both take pride in our home and hosting."
Retiree Kern said: "Taylor has a great sense of humour, is vivacious and an old soul. She also has a huge heart and is fiercely loyal. Also she is my best friend and is very easy to talk to about anything.
"I didn't really have any reservations, and whether Amanda realises it or not she was largely responsible for our meeting.
"Neither Taylor nor I really expected it to develop into what it did at the time.
"When it did, my attitude was that I've done a lot for my children, but choosing my mate is not within their purview."
He added: "If it makes you happy and you click, it's nobody's business but yours and if people want to be judgmental the hell with them. Leave them in their glass house."
Screw the haters, we say.
Featured Image Credit: StoryTrender
Topics: News, Relationships, US News