A 34-year-old woman from Southampton says she is frequently mistaken for her 24-year-old boyfriend's mother because of their ten-year age difference. Janine Adamson, a fitness instructor and student, began dating her neighbour Owen Roundell-Prince last March after knowing him for five years. She initially felt a romantic relationship was 'off the cards' due to the age gap.
The couple often faces comments from strangers and on social media, with people accusing Janine of 'trapping' or 'holding hostage' the younger electrician. In one incident at a supermarket, a staff member asked if she was Owen's mother when they tried to buy alcohol without ID. Janine says such reactions make her want to be more affectionate in public to avoid further embarrassment.
Despite the criticism, Janine says the relationship has benefits, as Owen brings out her youthful side. She admits she sometimes 'nags him like she's his mum' but says they are expecting their first child together. Janine, who has two children from a previous relationship, aged 16 and 10, says Owen is 'amazing' with them and she looks forward to watching him become a father.
Janine posts videos on social media to 'normalise' age-gap relationships, hoping to reassure other women in similar situations. She acknowledges her own worries about being too old for Owen but says his youthful appearance contributes to the mistaken identity. 'He has got quite a babyface,' she said, 'and I think I need to accept that it's more about the fact that he looks younger than he is.'
