Yes. That strikes me as a red flag.
The obvious problem is that you have to wonder why a guy his age has had so few romantic relationships. What's the problem? Is he a commitment-phobe? Loner? Lacking in confidence? Did he spend the first half of his life frozen in a block of ice?
The other problem is the lack of experience itself. Every relationship teaches us something about ourselves, and every relationship teaches us how to be in a relationship. We get better with practice (hopefully; some people never do). Most guys his age have enough relationship experience to know about things like compromise, selflessness, unconditional love, how to express your romantic feelings, how to argue fairly, etc. With him, it's like you're dating a beginner at love; it's very possible that he'll be making mistakes with you that most guys make in their 20s.
Now, the good news. Red flags are warnings of potential problems; they don't mean you are doomed to fail. There are always exceptions: some guys with years of relationship experience learn nothing and are no better at 38 than they were at 16. An older guy who's smart and perceptive can be very good in a relationship even with little experience. At least you guy had a year with someone--not great, but not terrible. Surely he learned something.
If you've been with this guy a year and have no issues, that's a great sign. How he treats you is all that matters, so let that be your guide. Just keep in mind that he is still learning how to be in a relationship, so don't be surprised if he makes some rookie mistakes. How you deal with those is up to you.
Thanks for the question.
I'm just curous why you would ask though. Is there something in the relationship that has you questioning it?
It could be a good thing! I met my current boyfriend when he was 23 and had never had a real relationship. Not that odd in itself, I suppose, but the reason he'd waited is because he knew he had a lot of stuff he had to sort out before he could be in a relationship. I'm glad he waited! (And I'm glad I was around when he was ready ;) )
He could have been in seminary. Just sayin.
Or a monastery. Or the French Foreign Legion. Or the Witness Protection Program. Or the Jehovah's Witness Protection Program. Or stranded on a deserted island with only a volleyball for a friend.
I love your response Cary!
I met a guy who's also 38 and from my short time dating him, I figured hes had few dating experiences. And I also figured it was because ultimately he's a nerd, most girls wouldnt give him a chance.
Im no longer with him, but learned a few good things about older guys with little dating experience with the ladies:
-they have more time for you (from being single for too long)
-want to know what you want to do (very willing to do things for you)
-plus, they just want your company
Downside may be what Cary mentioned :his shortcomings in compromise, fair argument, etc.
I think a different way you can see the situation is that its hard being a guy. Especially guys who are somewhat nerdy/loner, because getting turned down most of their life by the ladies feeds their inexperience with us, and that also turns out to be a turn off.
Be cautious, yet have an open mind.