When I first introduced my mom to my boyfriend, I was nervous. He was 38, just a few years older than me, and I thought she’d approve. But when I saw her reaction, I knew she had something to say.

Later that evening, she pulled me aside. “I know you’re happy right now,” she said gently, “but I want you to think about something. Men under 50 are often still growing, still finding their way. They may not have the stability you need in the long run. I’ve been through it myself, and I’ve seen how much easier life can be when you’re with someone who’s already settled, financially and emotionally.”

At first, I thought she was being old-fashioned. But as the months went by, I started seeing what she meant. My boyfriend was always stressed about work, about money, and about where he was headed in life. It made me realize that maybe, just maybe, my mom’s advice was coming from a place of experience.

Older men, she’d said, are wiser. They’ve seen more, done more, and they’re in a position to make life easier, not harder. And while love is important, so is stability—something I was starting to crave more than anything.