A teen has hit out at people criticising her for dating a 48-year-old man who they falsely assume is her father 'all the time'.
Despite dating for just three months, Jorja McMahon, 19 and Graham, 48, from Australia have said that they are soulmates.
The 19-year-old told news.com.au that she was 'in a hard living situation and in a bad headspace' when the pair's initial friendship turned into love.
However, despite being a happily loved up couple, Jorja has revealed that her friends have been very critical of the relationship and described Graham as a 'paedophile'.
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The pair met outside their mutual apartment complex, where Jorja was waiting on a taxi to take her to work and Graham offered to give her a lift instead.
They then decided to make it a regular thing on the condition that Jorjia helped out with fuel costs, something she said she was 'happy to do' with the money she earned at McDonald's.
The pair went on to develop a friendship, and it wasn't long before it turned into more.
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However, she admitted that Graham was reluctant to pursue a relationship with her because of their large age gap.
"He didn't try to get in my pants like every other man has tried to, and he treated me with so much respect from the beginning. There was definitely chemistry," she said.
When the pair admitted that they both had feelings, he asked if she was sure 'wanted to go down this road with him' and she insisted that she did.
"I've even lost friends over it. People can have an opinion, but sometimes they should keep it to themselves," she said, before revealing that some accused her of using Graham for money.
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The pair's large age gap even attracts attention from strangers, too, and said that they get 'dirty looks' when they are out and about.
But even though not all of her friends have been supportive of the relationship, Jorja explained that some have grown jealous after seeing how Graham treats her.
She said that he treats her 'like an absolute queen'.
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"I've also had a lot of single friends get jealous with how he treats me, and have tried to flirt with him," she admitted.
Jorja has ultimately described Graham as her 'soulmate' and said he is 'so supportive and encouraging' and 'constantly reminds' her that she is 'beautiful'.
The pair are now planning the rest of their lives together and hope to eventually get married and have children.
Topics: Sex and Relationships
Emma Guinness