to answer the question... My parents first hated my now husband
But that was ten years ago and now they adore him and think he's the best thing... and the reasons they disliked him were very shallow in my opinion... because i could not have children with him due to a genetic disorder...
However... it seems like the problem you're having is not with what your Parents think... but with your Own hang ups about the situation, and i must say, the warning bells in your head are going off for a reason....
I'm not saying don't go ahead dating this guy... but it seems like you might be in a different place in your life than he is... 12 years is
A LOT older, an ex-wife and a 7 year old child??
I dunno, but that seems like a lot of difficult variables to deal with......
I'd say... proceed with some sincere caution with this gentlemen.
sweetpea