A short term (year or two) R with an older, more sophisticated man can be a good thing for a young woman. It can add some polish, acquaint her with the ways of the world. You can certainly learn a lot more than dating another 19-year old who works at Wal-Mart.

I dated a much older man when I was in my 30's (he was 28 years older). I never felt an age gap between us. He was very young at heart, but was very sophisticated in terms of having been all over the world and just knew how to get around and act in public. You could take him anywhere and he was absolutely delightful and gracious. He could talk to anyone, and was equally comfortable in jeans, a tuxedo, or naked, for that matter. He loved me very much, and used to do stuff for me... installed some track lighting, did stuff around my apartment, and yes, gave me money from time to time, bought me flowers, and my favorite: Asti Spumanti. He was a very loving guy (now deceased). That relationship was a great blessing in my life (and I think, in his).