DEAR DEIDRE: I’M dating a gorgeous younger man. He’s funny, great looking and he makes me so happy but when I’m with him I feel guilty.

After all, he is the same age as my only son. I wasn’t searching for a younger man to date, but I hit it off with him, when we met online six months ago.

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I am 47 and he is 26. After a few days of chatting, he asked me out.

I was surprised and did ask myself why a man of his age would want to go on a date with me, but my best friend persuaded me to go for it, insisting “life is too short”.

We went for drinks at a local pub and ended up having pizza. I was surprised at how well the conversation flowed and he made me laugh –­­ a lot.

It was special, and I knew I wanted to see him again.

We have been together ever since. I know we are at different stages in our lives, but it has been the easiest, most stress-free relationship I have ever been in.

I have to pinch myself sometimes as I feel like my bubble is going to burst. We have a great sex life and he enjoys my confidence, often commenting that women his own age are too insecure.

But I do sometimes feel guilty — especially after we have had sex.

The main reason is my only child, my son, is 24 years old, almost the same age as my boyfriend, and that somehow feels wrong.

I don’t know if our relationship could go anywhere but I am afraid at some point soon I will have to tell my son.

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I can’t keep this relationship hidden forever and I’m not sure my son will be comfortable with it.

I don’t want to hurt this guy by saying I can’t see him any longer. It will break my heart but I honestly don’t know what to do.

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DEIDRE SAYS: You’re not doing anything wrong.

If you enjoy each other’s company and no one else is being hurt there’s no reason why you shouldn’t share your happiness with others.

You want the support of your son so tell him about it, sooner rather than later.

Keeping secrets will only add to your feeling of guilt and besides, you have nothing to hide.

Big changes in families are never easy. Don’t try to make light of the situation if your son is upset, or judge him for his reaction.

Time will help him get used to it and he’ll want you to be happy. Even if he doesn’t, it’s your life, so live it.

Read my support pack Age Gaps – Do They Matter? to help you think it through.

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