After seeing tonight’s episode of The Bachelor (my full post will be up tomorrow night), we finally got to see one of the most highly anticipated first one on one dates in Bachelor history: Brad and Emily.
Described as “drop dead gorgeous” with the “soul of Mother Teresa,” Emily is pretty darn perfect. Throw in the tragic story of her ex-fiance’s death and the little five year old girl she is raising on her own – how can you not fall in love with her?
But let’s look at this outside of The Bachelor universe. Emily is 24 years old. That is a 14 year age difference between her and Brad. Yes, she has a child, so pushes Emily into a forced maturity beyond her years, but is it enough to make up for such a large age gap? Emily has not had another serious relationship since the death of her ex fiance. Does she seem ready to dive into the next one with Brad? Is that really a smart risk when Emily’s five year old daughter is a factor?
Some of you have commented that Brad is old enough to be her father. That’s not quite right. Because he was only 14 years old when she was born. At best, he was old enough to babysit her and change her diapers but he’s more like a younger uncle to her, than a father.
The good news is that she honestly does not seem to be looking for a Hollywood lifestyle despite certainly having the looks to pursue a modeling or acting career. Although by the end of this season she’s going to have those opportunities, or Brad as a fiance or the spot secured as the next Bachelorette.
So what do you think? Can they make this work? Or is the age difference too much?
Anonymous says
Well, my husband and I are 13 years apart and have been married for 7 years and have a 3 year old. So…do I think it could work? Absolutely. Is it sometimes difficult? Definitely. However, I was pretty mature for my age and Emily seems light years older than her 24 years. I mean, after going through that, who wouldn't be? Also, I am not sure if anyone realizes who her fiancee exactly was but The Hendricks are NASCAR royalty. Big shoes for anyone to fill. The story alone is heartbreaking, but the fact that she is raising Ricky Hendrick's daughter is another big deal. The Hendricks are always going to be involved in her life and that might be a bit much for another guy to deal with.
Pensguys says
My husband is 17 yrs older than me. I was 25 when we met and he was 42. We've been together for 18 yrs and married for 16. Can it work? DEFINITELY!!! We don't have a problem with the age. He had two children which lived with their mother and we have two of our own. He is a father at 60 yrs old of a 13 and 11 yr old. He is just as active as I am…we run together and run marathons!
I don't think their ages have ANYTHING to do with it…in THIS case….mostly because she IS mature acting.
As far as him having big shoes to fill being in the Hendricks family…nah! He's an active man, owns his own bars, I think he would fit in just fine.
Anonymous says
I don't think it's the question of age difference but rather other factors. I agree with the prior post about NASCAR family and I also feel that Brad for his age has been haphazard in the way he dealt with prior relationships. I think Emily could easily find someone more grounded. She's a lovely, level-headed woman. I wish her the best but she can do better than Brad.
Anonymous says
Now I have to defend Brad because I am one of the few people who think he did the right thing not picking a woman he wasn't sure about last time around. I mean, why end up like the rest of the Bachelors (minus Trista and Ryan)? I think he is not only drop dead gorgeous but very careful with his heart. Who can blame him? I hope Emily and Brad find happiness.
Anonymous says
I think Chris L. from last season's bachelorette and Emily should hook up!!! He's my dreamboat and she's a knockout!
Anonymous says
I watched tonight's episode with Rickey in it OMG the sweetest little thing! I have a 5 year old daughter that is a thumb sucker like Ricky. I know some people give negative comments on the topic but I give you credit Emily for allowing Rickey to have her security thumb. It is not something that goes on forever trust me I was a thumb sucker for a long time. I am sure as mom's we both know the time will come to get rid of one of their best friends (their thumb):( in the mean time we embrace their security! Bless you and your future, Ricky is a doll!
Anonymous says
There can be exceptions, but Statistics show that anything more then a 10 year separation has a higher divorce rate, even those that claim it works for them, it may be true in the younger first 20 years but later when the woman is still in her active years of forty or fifty and the man is in his sixty and seventies with serious health issues and or wants just to settle into a couch potato, she gets resentful because her life will be cut short for it and the woman often ends up leaving. A rich man's huge ego and out of control sex drive makes him go for the younger woman convincing himself he can buy and possess her, but when he's old and in a wheel chair and she leaves him, i think he sets himself up for it and deserves it.
Anonymous says
It's funny how everybody has to give their two sense on Emily and Brad. They are engaged, and in love! Leave them alone! Good luck guys!