Overcoming “daddy issues”??

Hi! I know this is a weird thing to ask, and I don’t know if this is the right subreddit… but I’ve always struggled with dating guys my own age, i don’t know if this is a common thing. Maybe because my father is emotionally absent lol. I’ve had guys approach me, ask me out and confess to me that have been around my age and I’ve struggled to find them “interesting”/“attractive” (sorry I don’t want to be rude)

I’ve only really been interested in older men (ATLEAST mid 20s) but obviously they’re either predators or groomers if they also show interest. Example: when I was 16 I was dating a dude in his early twenties, my friends were very judgemental and I knew it was wrong but I never REALLY liked a guy my age. Recently since starting university I’ve found it difficult to date age-appropriate men, I want to overcome this or work past it because I want a healthy relationship in the future.

I’m just wondering if anyone has had this problem and has worked past it, or knows any advice?