As I explained, I was trying to ease my way into a discussion about my age preference.Then I'm not sure why you would even bring that up.
Essentially she is playing chess while you aren't even playing checkers, you are playing tiddlywinks.
I had no desire to discuss the new girl. I only mentioned the new girl as a stepping stone to (try to) steer the discussion into what I really wanted to discuss.
At the very least, a 33 year old man thinking a 25 year old woman is way too young is highly unusual. When I said the new girl is a lot younger than I prefer, I really thought my neighbor would ask a follow up question about my age preference (especially since my neighbor has a track record of being nosy about, and asking intrusive questions about, my dating/sex life)