In this era of modernization and open-mindedness, the age gap in a relationship should hardly be an issue. However, there are some important things to consider if you have fallen for someone with a substantial age gap. Age is indeed only a number, and love is the only thing that matters in a relationship. Also, color, region, language, and religion are mere identities and should cause no hurdles as long as there is selfless love between two people. But can two people start and maintain a relationship with a significant age gap? In this post, we provide you with details about it, including its advantages and problems and how to make such a relationship last long.
Does Age Really Matter in Relationships?
Generally, it doesn’t. A relationship depends on the understanding and connection between two individuals, regardless of their age. A couple can have a strong relationship as long as they love, respect and care for each other. Having a partner, who is a few years older than you, is considered normal but when the age gap is too wide then it may look unconventional.
What Is The Ideal Age Gap Between A Couple?
Most couples prefer an age gap of three to five years, with the male partner being older. But there are also cases where the difference in the age is more than 15 to 20 years, or where the female partner is older than the male. A study suggests that both men and women prefer a gap of approximately three years, with the man being older than the woman (1). It also says that older men are willing to consider a relationship with women far younger than them while women’s maximum acceptable age gap is 10 years above their age. Yet another study (2) reveals that the age gap is not the only defining factor for the success or failure of a relationship. Most people prefer their partners to be a couple of years older or younger than them. Men prefer to date and marry women who are younger than them while women are more open in their approach. They are likely to accept younger or older men. Some couples also consider an age gap relationship rule, which dates back to more than 100 years. The rule suggests, “do not date anyone whose age is lesser than half of yours plus seven.”
Factors That Influence The Age Gap
Certain factors have a conscious or sub-conscious effect on individuals while choosing a partner: An age gap in the relationship has both some merits and drawbacks.
Merits of Having an Age Gap in a Relationship
Here are some of the merits of having an age gap in the relationship. While a decent age gap might bring in advantages, a wide gap might have more drawbacks than merits.
Possible Drawbacks in Age Gap Relationships
Here are some of the problems that couples of a big age gap are likely to face: It is not necessary that all the age-gap relationships have these drawbacks because it all depends on how well you understand the relationship and take it forward.
Ways to Make an Age Gap Relationship Work
If you are entering into such a relationship, these tips would be of use to you:
