Wow, it's nice to see a guy your age wanting to cook for a girl instead of focusing on trying to get her into be. I've pretty much always dated guys that were older than me (TJ is a little over 5 years older than me) When I was 18, I was sick of guys my age only wanting one thing...
I hope it all works out for you.
Before TJ, my longest relationship was a little over 3 or 4 months. I was convinced that I would never find "the one", that I was doomed to remain single or always have these short, meaningless relationships. I spent a few months basically finding someone just for the sake of being with someone, and it just made me more miserable.
Then I found TJ. And we weren't really even looking for eachother. It just...happend.
Now we've been together for 14 months and we're engaged. So just when you least expect it, love and happiness will find you.
Lord...I sound like a Hallmark card or something...
But seriously, don't ever give up.