Christine Sanchez, 34, met Eduardo Hernando, 59, on a dating app three years ago and was initially afraid of being catfished, but he turned out to be her soulmate

A woman in a significant age gap relationship has opened up about the abuse she and her property developer fiancé endure from critics who disapprove of their relationship.

Christine Sanchez, 34, met her future husband, 59-year-old Eduardo Hernando, three years ago through a dating app. They had instant chemistry but she initially worried about the match.

Christine, a Puerto Rican from Brooklyn, New York, felt like dating had been a "let down" in her life. So even though sparks were flying, she felt nervous about committing.

She recalled: "We flirted a lot via a dating app and eventually shared our phone numbers. [Then we had] our first FaceTime, which I demanded because I was afraid of being catfished.

"[On our first date], I was very impressed with how handsome he looked in person and our connection was genuine, real and down to Earth."

However, she soon realised Eduardo wasn't like the other men she'd dated in the past. She said: "I was treated with much respect and the ultimate princess treatment from a real gentleman."

Career-driven Christine feared the relationship might get in the way of her nail business and hospitality management firm. She also thought hard about her role as a mother.

She said: "I had this notion that I wouldn't be able to accomplish my career goals if I was to enter into a serious relationship with him (older man). My only [other] concern was my son."

However, Eduardo soon won her over because he is a kind-hearted entrepreneur himself. Christine added: "I simply communicated my concerns to him and he is a very good listener.

"Not only that, he actually applied what we would discuss. He's told me that he is lucky to have my son in his life."

Despite these initial roadblocks, their relationship really blossomed. Christine said: "Eduardo is very old school when it comes to his role as a man in the house.

"He pays all the bills, he pays for every dinner and he pays for all of our trip and vacation expenses... My family and friends love him, honestly, no one can even tell he's almost 60 years old."

Their loved ones were on board with the match – given that both Christine and Eduardo had experienced previous age gap romances – but strangers weren't as forgiving.

People leave hateful comments about the relationship online and some even accuse Christine of using her partner for money. On the flip-side, others attack Eduardo for being with someone that 'looks like his daughter'.

Thankfully though, there are some positive reactions out there too. Christine said: "At first, it was very stressful but it opened our eyes to something bigger.

"Multiple men and women have reached out to us directly, expressing how much they appreciate our content saying that we inspire them to not be ashamed to love who they love."

Just 10 months after their first meeting, Eduardo and Christine moved in together and shortly thereafter, became engaged and are now planning their wedding.

Christine shared: "The chemistry in our relationship is different in so many ways than in any of my past relationships with men my age. With Eduardo, I feel safe.

"I know he will always 'figure it out' – it's his mission to make me happy. From romantic sunset dinners on the beach in Jamaica to intimacy not being rushed and enjoying foreplay.

"From day one till this day, he has always spoiled me and I wouldn't change a thing. Aside from our heated passionate love, silence isn't awkward."

"I almost gave up on love and three years later I am getting married to the best thing that has ever happened to me and my one true love soulmate."