Influencer Minea Pagni is speaking out against critics of her relationship with her former high school teacher and now husband, Massimo. "Reducing a woman's choices to money is one of the oldest and most unfair stereotypes. I have my own goals, my own work, and my own independence. I married him for who he is - his mind, his values, and the way he loves," Pagni, 22, told The New York Post in an interview published on Saturday, January 10. She continued, "I knew not everyone would understand, but I wasn't fully prepared for how intense some reactions could be. Still, I've learned that criticism often says more about society's fears than about our love." Pagni initially met Massimo, 60, five years prior, when he was her high school philosophy teacher. While nothing happened romantically at the beginning, Pagni and Massimo ran into each other at a bookstore two years ago and began dating. The couple tied the knot last month. Celeb Couples With Big Age Gaps: Monica Garcia and Braxton Knight, More While social media users have been critical of the pair's nearly 40 year age gap, Pagni explained that the couple have a deep connection that she argues transcends age. "I was captivated by his intellect, his sunny personality, his values, his boundless love for knowledge and learning, his curiosity about every aspect of life, and his lack of prejudice," she told the outlet. Pagni, who has amassed more than 25,000 followers on Instagram, has shared glimpses of the pair's romance via social media. Earlier this month, Pagni shared a series of clips of the couple through the years while reflecting on the start of their relationship. "I had a crush on him back in high school. Nothing ever happened - he was just my teacher, and then life went on," she wrote via Instagram. "When school ended, we lost touch completely. Years passed. Different lives, different paths. And then... two years ago, by pure chance, we ran into each other in a bookstore." She continued, "No plans. No timing. Just the right moment. Life has a funny way of bringing people back together when it's finally allowed to 🤍." Whoopi Goldberg Reveals She Once Dated a Man 40 Years Older Than Her In a separate video, some users thought they spotted a Rolex watch on Massimo's wrist - which spurred comments like, "He has 60k on his wrist. It's all making sense now," per The Post. Pagni, however, set the record straight. "He doesn't own, wear, or even desire a Rolex," Pagni told The Post. "He has two beautiful watches, one of which I gave him as a gift, and he values them deeply." Pagni explained that Massimo is supportive of her decision to share parts of their lives online. "He understands that storytelling is part of who I am, and he trusts my intentions. We are very aligned on what we share and why we share it," she said. Pagni went on to admit that her parents were not initially on-board with the relationship, but they have since given their stamp of approval. "But once they saw how respected, supported, and happy I am, they trusted my choices. Today, they see the love and stability we share," she said.