A woman in a 30-year age gap relationship has opened up about the TikTok trolling she and her younger partner face, including cruel comments comparing them to mother and son.
Mac, 26, and Jo, 56, met while working at an animal centre, where Mac said she felt an immediate attraction. Jo, who was initially concerned about their three-decade age difference, soon decided that Mac's appeal was worth any backlash they might face.
How the couple met
Mac told Love Don't Judge: "I was attracted to this woman the minute I laid eyes on her."
Addressing the age disparity, Jo confessed: "I was very concerned about the age gap at first. I've never been with someone this young."
Jo also shared that she was hospitalised during her 20s following a brain tumour diagnosis. Although she has since made a full recovery, her medical professionals told her she suffers from 'Peter Pan syndrome', which makes her feel perpetually in her 20s.
She continued: "I'm trapped at 22, no matter what I do. All of my friends are in their 20s. I just vibe with that vibe. I can't help it. My body is aging but my mind just won't."
Internet backlash
The couple began documenting their relationship across social media but quickly encountered disapproval on TikTok. Mac said: "People were making the assumption that we were related. People see that dynamic and automatically think, that seems like a mother/son relationship."
Jo added: "I was more in shock at the name-calling. It's hurtful." She described being labelled weird and a grandma, while others suggested she should feel ashamed for being with someone considerably younger. Some questioned how her grown-up children felt about the relationship, noting that Mac is closer to their age than Jo's.
What their families think
Jo revealed that she initially joined TikTok to post clips of her work as a dog groomer, never anticipating her relationship would draw such criticism. Mac said trolls had accused her of having 'mummy or daddy issues' for wanting to date someone close to her parents' age.
Mac's mum, Coco, voiced her worries about the relationship, saying: "Surprised and concerned, more so the long-term concerns. The fact they're at very different stages in their lives and what does that look like for my daughter."
However, Jo's son, Jason, was more enthusiastic, saying: "This is very different but I was excited for her. I knew that she was in love and I knew their love would grow."
Despite their initial misgivings, both Coco and Jason said they simply want the pair to be happy, cherish their life together and build the brightest possible future.
