Hello, Irish! Alas, teenagers tend to do the exact opposite of what we want, if we push too hard. I agree that the age difference is a concern, but once she reaches 18, then she will be considered an adult (at least in the U.S.) and will be able to do more what she wants. It's obvious they don't care what you think. They have been together a long time. And over time the age difference won't matter very much.

I would be angry, too, about her skipping school. And I would want to try to control the relationship. Keep in mind, though, that he is already an adult. I have to say I hardly expect him to just see her at your house. Such a plan might lead them to sneak out more during the day.

Is your daughter planning to go to college? Does she care whether she finishes school or not?

At this point, love might be making her blind to his faults. I don't know. I do know the harder you try to get her to end the relationship, the more likely she is to try to hang on to him. I'm wondering if it would help to show her the facebook messages. She will likely get mad, but maybe they would put a shadow of a doubt in her. Maybe say something like, "I know you care about ( ) and you have been together for a good while. You will ultimately make your own decision about the future, but I really think you need to look at these messages to see if they might have any truth to them. I love you and I don't want to hurt you. I just want you to make sure he will be a good choice for the long term......You will likely get mad about them, but, nonetheless, here they are...."

That's my opinion, anyway. What do other folks here have to say about it?