I am a 25-year-old woman in love with a guy who says he can’t go out with me because he is 30. He knows it isn’t a huge gap but believes it will start to become a problem as we get older. We have gone on a few dates and talked about this a lot, but nothing I say convinces him that his reasons aren’t valid. We have a strong attraction for each other, and I am miserable because I know we could make a relationship work if only he were willing to give it a chance. It feels as if his stubbornness is preventing us from building something beautiful together. What can I do about this?
You can’t do anything about building a strong relationship if it isn’t mutual. His reasons may be completely ridiculous, and age may have no impact at all, but it won’t matter if he isn’t willing to take a chance. It also says a lot about him that his reasons are speculative and not based on fact, which should tell you about the kind of person he is. You can keep trying, but be kind to yourself too, and work towards a timeline that allows you to walk away and move on before this interest curdles into something like resentment. You may be right about it being a potentially great relationship, but it doesn’t mean anything without two people wanting to work towards a common goal.

I’m ready for a relationship with someone but also believe she is unreliable and capable of walking out if we have a serious argument. Am I setting myself up for unnecessary pain?
Why not wait until you reach a stumbling block before trying to pre-empt one? If someone says they want to be with you, give them the benefit of doubt and treat this relationship as one that may have ups and downs, all of which can be resolved with patience. Anyone can end a relationship, but it is important to try building one first.