What size age difference is acceptable to you?

[msc545]

[Anonymous]

It's not so much about the age range as it is about having compatible maturity levels and goals. Age is often an indication of this, but that's not necessarily the case.

For instance, my boyfriend is 14 years younger than me. However, we're more compatible in terms of maturity and goals than my ex boyfriend I had before him who was my same age

For two people to have as big of an age gap as we do and still be so compatible is pretty uncommon. However, I also think it happens quite a bit more than people think. I also think there are many people who have passed on fantastic relationships because they got hung up on the age gap (which is something I almost did)

[LaFemmeFatale_1]

Any, as long as legal. Currently I am interested in someone who’s 45.

[LaFemmeFatale_1]

Hmm… Did I get the question right? I just saw the topic.

[msc545]

you got it right.

[BetaBucks]

For dating and sex, any age, for adults. For children, that should be up to the parents and based on maturity level. Even two 16 year olds can be wildly different in development levels, so parents should determine what's acceptable on a case by case basis.

For LTRs, the only time I have an issue with age differences is when it's much older men with girls in their prime fertility years. These guys shouldn't be getting them pregnant, and also shouldn't be stopping them from having a family during their best years. It's just selfish to take that time away. But if she's a child-free type person, I stop caring.

[msc545]

Aren't people old enough to have a relationship old enough to make their own decisions regarding age?

[BetaBucks]

Depends what you think "old enough to have a relationship" means. Plenty of children have relationships, and I had a bunch as a kid, but I still think parents should stay involved here. Mine were, and it put me in some bad situations that I wasn't really prepared for.

Obviously adults should do whatever the fuck they want.

[AviatorTom]

There are no limits. I dated women within 10 years of my age. My father was 30 years older than my mother; they had a happy 40-year marriage until he died.

[NathanDavis]

never really had to think about it... the most difference has been four years younger, and it wasn't a significant "age gap" at all

we both had similar life styles... working on our business, and at a place of our own too, but we moved in together though

[goaded]

Under 20? A couple of years. Over 60, maybe 10? That said, that's more what I think can work, long term; other people's relationships are none of my business. Short term, anything less than double the age, provided it's legal.

[goaded]

Next year, I could date a 120 year old!

[msc545]

Other than for yourself, why do you care about relative age?

[goaded]

Like I said, I don't. I just have an opinion on what might work long term. If your partner's going to be retiring as you hit 40?

[msc545]

This is not about what might or might not work.

[BoopBoopBeep]

I've gone 20 down a few times and in college I did 35 up. Really depends on what we're talking about for "acceptable to me." I doubtfully would marry anyone at those age ranges but if she asks me to "sort some stuff out" back at her place, I'm game.

[msc545]

I think as long as it's 18 plus I'm good with it if I'm into it at all.

[BoopBoopBeep]

When I go to the universities the college women are usually pretty forward. I couldn't do under 21. I like wine too much, and if we can't share a glass... it'd be real hard to get interested.

[msc545]

I don't drink at all... Although I do like an occasional cheeseburger, it's okay with me...

[BoopBoopBeep]

Oh then I could absolutely see that then. Don't get carded for cheeseburgers... that'd be okay.

[Sevenpointfive]

i was always taught to never ask a girls age

[Alex-Snow]

I'm only 19 so I prefer girls in the 18 to maybe mid 20's range.

[LiamJHayden]

I do not care as long as the people are of legal age and competent.

[exitseven]

I used to say ten years

[Apple1996]

After 25 any age gap is acceptable

[msc545]

Why 25? Did you make thatup for do you have a reason?

[Apple1996]

Anything younger there's too much of a growing stage going on. High-school/college/figuring out adult life. Best to do those things with a partner of a similar age. With a older person they'd be too much of a parent figure which isn't gonna work out well. Obviously close in ages like 23 and 25 isn't what I'm talking about. Those are close enough together

[msc545]

So those are just your opinions and they apply only to you, right?

[Apple1996]

I have different rules on a personal level but it should be obvious to most adults to not be trying to mess with a kids growing stages. It's gonna be seen as predatory by many people (not just me) for a 50 year old to date a high-school or college aged kid. If it's just a sexual relationship then possibly a bit different

[Apple1996]

Is this question for sexual or dating? Or both

[Apple1996]

If it's purely sexual than the age doesn't really matter if it's legal

[msc545]

Both. I know people in the age groups you specify that have very healthy relationships that would completely disagree (as do I) with your ideas of "propriety", especially given that there is no evidence for them and they are created from your biases - particularly labeling things you dislike as "predatory' which is VERY offensive.

[Apple1996]

You only think it's offensive because it's the honest truth. Those age gap realtionships are predatory

[Apple1996]

Is it wrong my girlfriend is 16? ↗

And here's a example of a predator. So lovely that GaG is full of them

[msc545]

You have a personal definition of "predatory" that is not shared by most people. It is perhaps "your truth" but it is not "the truth".

[Apple1996]

Predatory behavior refers to actions and conduct characterized by the exploitation, manipulation, or harm of others for personal gain, satisfaction, or gratification. This behavior often involves deceit, aggression, or manipulation to take advantage of vulnerable individuals or situations

My definition straight from Google lol

[msc545]

So that is about *behavior*, not *age. Do you know the difference?

[Apple1996]

The older person in a age gap relationship tends to have predatory behavior

[msc545]

How do you know this?

[Anonymous]

Age 21 and older

[jamesgoldman]

20 years older personally
Not younger

[msc545]

So if someone is 19 years old instead of 20 that rules them out entirely. As far as you were concerned? No matter how much you like them?

[jamesgoldman]

20 years older so like mid-forties

[llorando]

+- 5 years max.

[Anonymous]

I really only look in the 10 year range.

[msc545]

Why?

[Opinion Owner]

Because I've tried a larger window and it was an absolute disaster.

[msc545]

Was that only due to the age difference?

[Opinion Owner]

No way of knowing that for certain. But I am a big believer in statistics and statistics say that any relationship with a 10 year gap or larger has a very low likelihood of success.

[msc545]

Can you link to the data, please? I would like to look at it.

[Twalli]

10 years