I really haven't expressed an opinion either way. I absolutely love the young man, but I see him as just that, a young man... that we both saw grow up, and he's still growing. She's actually from this area, so she knew him literally from birth. I wouldn't be able to go from changing someone's diapers (as an adult) to seeing him/her as a possible love interest. I never socialized with the boy's parents, but she did, I think that the relationship between her and the boy's parents would be strange at best.

The reason I suggested that she talk to her children about it is because I cannot see bringing someone into my life that would make my children (whatever their age) unhappy or uncomfortable. Since this boy was very much a part of her daughter's life as a friend, I would think hearing what she thinks (along with her son) would be important, but that's just me. Maybe they wouldn't care a bit, I don't know and I'm certainly not the one that is going to discuss it with them. But even though I don't think they should be able to dictate their mother's life, I do think their opinion is important.

If she does decide that this is the relationship she wants, I can see a problem socializing. He's very charming, but he goes out of his way to irritate me in childish ways. He always has, that's our shtick. He does something he knows will get under my skin until I comment on it. And I'm not going to stop telling him to sit up, chew with his mouth closed and not slurp his soup just because he happens to be dating a friend of mine.