Ian McLean Spokesperson for the Green Party

A well-documented feature of human behaviour is that we regard ‘normal', ‘typical', ‘average' or ‘appropriate', as being ‘like me'.

In other words, we tend to judge others against ourselves. It is difficult to distinguish whether such judgements are based on prejudice or reason.

As an older dad, I occasionally experience discrimination along the lines of ‘surely you are not the dad of such young children'. Most commentators are not intentionally rude, just surprised and confused when confronted with something outside their ‘normal' experience.

The kids are not quite old enough to understand that their dad is older than normal. But soon it will be their friends commenting, and I worry about that.

Discrimination, prejudice, call it what you will. It comes in many forms and we all struggle with it. It is a sign of some success that same-gender relationships are finally being accepted, and validated by our community.

Ian McLean is a spokesperson for the Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand.