Mel Quinn (30), a Barista from Bedfordshire, UK, has sent social media into meltdown after going public with musician Shanks Putwain (58), with critics gasping that he is ‘old enough to be her dad.’
Some women would think twice before dating a man nearly twice their age, but Mel claims the chemistry between her and her 58-year-old boyfriend is so electric that they were quickly ‘obsessed with each other.’
The pair initially matched on an online dating app in June 2024, with Mel completely unaware of the true age gap at first.
“I thought he was late forties,” she admits.
“It was not until I saw pictures from his 50th birthday posted in 2017 that I realised just how much older he was.”
Most people would have backed away, but Mel quickly realised how much they had in common, and they began exchanging late-night voice notes that stretched for hours.
“His voice did something to me,” she says.
“It was deep. Calm. I felt it in my stomach.”
When they met in person, the atmosphere shifted instantly. They told themselves it was just friendship. But it didn’t stay that way for long.
“There was tension straight away,” admits Mel.
“The kind where you are trying to act normal, but your body is not listening.
“The first time we kissed, it felt like a release.
“Like we had both been holding our breath.”
Dating men her own age had always left Mel feeling frustrated and disconnected; it’s the opposite with Shanks.
“I found emotional intelligence was lacking in men my own age,” admits Mel.
“Sometimes it was overly sexual without any of the charm or adventure.
“I grew up dreaming of Mr. Darcy. I want passion and connection.”
The romance comes after a painful chapter in her early twenties, when Mel spent five years with a 42-year-old man who was incredibly controlling. However, dating Shanks has made Mel feel respected.
“He does not try to own me. He does not try to shrink me,” explains Mel.
“He never makes me doubt. He’s consistent, and he’s affectionate without being overbearing.
Of course, critics are quick to question what a nearly 60-year-old man can possibly offer a 30-year-old woman physically.
“If you’re wondering if it’s better,” she smiles.
“Then yes.
“We’re on the same level. We feel it at the same time. And we value cuddling and touch just as much as anything else.”
Since going viral online, Mel has faced accusations that she’s chasing money. But that couldn’t be further from the truth.
“We’re both broke,” she laughs.
“He just dresses well. He’s not rich in money, but we’re rich in other ways.”
Mel admits that the age difference could pose problems in the future if the relationship does stand the test of time. But for now, she is focusing on the present.
“There’s always the risk I could be left a widow if we really make it all the way,” she says softly.
“But to be loved like this… I’d rather have it slightly cut short than never have it at all.”
When asked what she would say to people who criticize her relationship, Mel didn’t mince her words.
“I feel sexy. I feel confident. I feel wanted,” she declares.
“When the door closes, and it’s just us, none of that noise matters.
By Jessica Smith
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