I'm a bit ashamed to say that not to long ago I would have said it was completely wrong to love someone older, or vis versa.

Some people never come to the realization. I guess it's something you really have to experience in order to realize. When I fell in love with my very first little girl, I knew at that point that everything I was told about these relationships were lies. There was nothing wrong or evil about the love we had for each other. I hope everything works out between you and your adult friend.