do you think this older guy could be genuinely interested in me?

I think he is genuinely interested in you, I would give him a chance. Giving him a chance doesn't mean you have to marry him or anything.

Don't look at it as if you are lacking anything. You are a smart, young woman going somewhere with your life. If you are interested in him go for it but understand that since there is that eight year gap he might have more life experience then you and sometimes you might think your just as mature but, you might not be but that doesn't mean your lacking. You might be jobless and live with your parents, but you have good marks and you are going to school and sooner or later you will have a job and be doing what you want to do with your life. I guess yes maturity can make up for lack of independence but i dont think its a big deal, if he already knows this and he wants to be with you, i dont think he really cares. of anything i think he understands. I'm a woman so i'll try to answer this the best i can, it wont be a man answer. There are many things that factor in relationships and none of them are the same. If an older man does show interest then he is interested. He is usually more mature and stable then a man your own age and there is nothing wrong with being with an older man, you do have many things to offer even if you think you are "lacking" which you aren't. If you want to be with him and he wants to be with you then go for it. life is to short to wait. but keep an open mind there is that age gap so it might not go the way you want it, but that doesn't mean it wont. Hopefully that helps!!

There is always someone for someone. Just date him and you will know within a month or two how the real feelings are. I'm sure he is interested in you.

Find out what is more important to you. There are plenty of fish in the sea. Be the shark and feast up.

; )

Trust me you are thinking about this waaaayyyy deeper than he is he doesn't care what you have or where you live he just cares that you have the right body part and cool to be around lol he wants to date you not marry you.

You're just getting started in life you don't need this at the moment. Get your education. Determine your life's goals. Then worry about relationships. He sees young meat. You can be better than that.

Maturity goes a long way.

proceed with caution...