A gentleman would not engage in that kind of relationship period. He would be old enough to be her father.
When in my 30s I dated an 19 year old, when in my early 20s, a 40 year old women. I can say I have dated women both half and twice my age (all completely legal, and very pleasant relationships we each gained something from).
It is easy to sanctimoniously judge people based on some number, but one of the objections the older lady voiced toward older men dating younger women was admitted jealousy and a feeling of unfair competition.
One of her takeaways from our relationship was that she should
never doubt what she had to offer, a wide variety of experiences and interests, and she had her PhD. A person's needs change over their lifetime. In both cases I mention, we met each other's needs at the time.
Ideally, and as my eventual marriage proves, it is simply easier to date in the same age group, because of the shared experiences of growing up in the same era--and that time period is area specific, too. Someone who grew up in a major city in the '70s would have a different experience than someone who grew up in the boonies, and where they were located in terms of region has a definite effect, too. You have the choice to judge and be condescending (which doesn't work), or you can enjoy the exchange of those temporal/cultural differences, which can be a really good time and plenty enlightening.
It is the shared experience that allows both to relate, the differences in experience that keep it interesting.
It is possible to be a perfect gentleman or lady (for you ladies) and still enjoy the company of someone who was born in a different decade. At least I found it so. YMMV.
