What is it like to be in a relationship with an age gap?

[lemonette]

Have you ever been in such a relationship? What is the maximum age difference between you and your partner?

[surgent]

Relationships with an age gap, now there's a topic with a lot of different viewpoints! From what I've seen and heard, being in a relationship where there's a significant age difference between partners can be quite a unique experience, with its own set of challenges and perks.

First up, the perks. Often, people in such relationships talk about the benefits of different perspectives. Say you're dating someone older; they might bring a certain wisdom and a different outlook on life, which can be really refreshing.

But let's not sugarcoat it – there are challenges too. Society can be pretty judgmental about age-gap relationships. Friends, family, or random people might throw in their two cents, sometimes not in the nicest ways. Then there's the issue of being at different life stages. One person might be thinking about career stability, while the other is still figuring out what they want in life.

Communication is key in any relationship, but in age-gap relationships, it's like, super crucial. I've seen couples who handle this really well, and they seem just as happy as any other couple.

[caring__1]

If you're looking for a meaningful relationship, and not just looking for short-term or to have needs provided for, stick to the same developmental stage. It has nothing to do with the number of years, but the stage the two of you are at. If you're 15, a 5 year gap is too much. If you're 45, a 5 year gap is nothing. Developmental stages are much closer together when we're young. Are you at a stage where you're still exploring to discover your own identity, progressing in your education, working to get established in a career, still focusing on play and having fun, preparing to settle down and raise a family, building a foundation (career, home, interests), expanding on what you've developed, preparing to retire, or retired? Stages have nothing to do with chronological age. I've known young old people and old young people.

Though a relationship with someone in your same developmental stage might work, with a wider age gap, how will you feel when your partner has grown beyond your developmental stage? It is rare for people to be comfortable with partners who have different priorities, common when in different developmental stages. I'm not saying it can't happen. Just look at Fred Astaire and Robyn Smith. They made it work well. How tolerant will you be with the changes in your partner's priorities? Will you expect your partner to stay in your developmental stage, move into your partner's developmental stage, be supportive of both developmental stages or just have constant battles? A wider age gap can work when both partners are very tolerant, considerate and respectful. If you don't see signs of those patterns now, never expect those patterns to develop in the future.

[Finchie40]

Age doesn’t really matter to me for the most part , it’s the chemistry and connection and attraction that matters , Now I feel I am pretty wise enough not to hit on a girl that is way younger than me , but it has happened and I didn’t automatically not like her anymore , I still had a great time with her , she was 15 years younger than me , I was 40 and she was 25 , She was pretty mature for her age and her and I hit it off. So that’s why I don’t really hold age as a deciding factor. In my opinion , people that do hold age as a deciding factor are just limiting themselves from possibly meeting someone that treats them amazing , arhat 25 year old girl rocked my world with the time we spent together. So again I don’t hold age really as a deciding factor , when I meet a girl that wants to bring happiness into my life. If she is under legal age of consent then No I won’t go down that road , and I don’t go for girls’ that I am old enough to be their Dad , now I had girls’ come after me that I was old enough to be their Dad , but that’s a different story lol

[sage2021]

@Finchie40
You could have at least said goodbye to me. Typical guy behavior!

[mandyfire98]

It's a little tricky. It also depends on the gap. So like my boyfriend now is ten years older than me and honestly you wouldn't be able to tell. I mean I look younger than my actual age anyway but as far as the differences in personality or anything there isn't really. We get along perfectly and mesh perfectly.

I've also dated a guy that was my dad's age lol. That is definitely trickier for sure because at the time I was 22 and just out of college. He was 49 lol. There were definitely generational differences between us for sure. Not enough to negatively impact the relationship but there were times that he definitely had that dad energy to him which added a strange energy to it. Not negative but just different I'd say. The experience factor was great and he was very appreciative whereas most guys aren't. It was the, being in a sexless marriage for years, that probably helped him out in being so appreciative and caring. Plus the sexlife was outstanding. He took nothing for granted. Extra time and attention on every detail. Best foreplay ever.

[Anonymous]

The biggest age gap for me was 7 years but we never actually dated, the second longest was 5/6 years. The 5/6 year one was awkward to be honest. I was 18 and he was around 23-24. I was still figuring out who I was as a person and starting my adult life where he was pretty settled in who he was at that point. There were also things he would talk about that would go over my head because we didn’t grow up with the same things. The 7yr difference wasn’t as bad because I was a bit older at that point and we had a lot more in common, in his case he was really immature and that was why he was going younger

[OlderAndWiser]

When I was 24, I dated a woman who was 42.

When I was 25, I dated a woman who was 36.

When I was 53, I dated a woman who was 36.

Now, I am 68 (69 next month,) and my fiancee is 60.

How much of an age gap? What are the ages for the male and female?

[smne35]

No different than being in one with someone your own age, well ok so there's a slight difference, for one they bring experience, not just in life but sexually, I found I did mature rapidly, I was 11 she was 23 and I handled it well but I didn't think it or act as an 11 year old, to me they were whining kids at that age, hell honestly I had to grow up fast started going to clubs, parties at 10 by 16 was burned out with parties anyway for most of my young life I went out with only mature women no not grannies, but they got to be too possessive, going out together was not a problem but then insecurities jealousy, especially when there's interaction with myself and say someone more my age, I would get, so you want to be with someone more your age at which I would just leave for a while, but that was one of the major issues other than that, sex was great was introduce to another part of life, meaning things those my age was not into, museums lunches when I started going out with women my own age or close to it, how I entertained them was years ahead of what they expected and I didn't even give it act thought was just natural in where we went things we did was overall a very enlightening experience

[ZackBan]

One of the best lovers I ever had was a woman 20 years older than me.

We saw eachother for a full year. (It was long distance but she made the trip over 4 times and stayed a week with me each time)

But the relationship quickly found it's glass ceiling. Neither of us could tell our families about this.
She also has a daughter that she didn't tell about me even though I met her.
All we had left was texting eachother and taking vacation time together where we had enough sex to tidy ourselves over for the next few months.

I wanted more. I wanted a true relationship, a partner I can explore and discover the world with.
Fact is: i was entering my prime when she was already past hers. We both knew that.

So eventually I ended it. It was the hardest choice I had to make in recent memory but it was necessary. She deserved someone on her wavelength.

So the bottom line here, do not underestimate age gaps. If it's just a few years then it's fine you're both adults but when the gap gets bigger you have to be careful what to expect from it

[tariful25]

Being in a relationship with an age gap can bring both unique challenges and rewards. Challenges may include differing life stages, interests, or cultural references. Communication becomes crucial to understanding each other's perspectives and addressing potential issues. It's important to navigate societal perceptions and judgments that may arise. On the positive side, age-gap relationships often benefit from diverse perspectives, mutual learning, and complementary qualities. Each partner can bring unique experiences to the relationship, fostering personal growth. Shared values, interests, and communication can help bridge age-related gaps. Ultimately, the success of such relationships depends on open communication, respect, and a strong emotional connection, transcending the numerical age difference. Every relationship is unique, and understanding and embracing these differences can lead to a fulfilling and supportive partnership.

https://www.youtube.com/embed/BaAeatcpkAY

[sage2021]

I knew a man that was 59 and his friend with benefits was almost 80.

When they stopped seeing each other over two years later, she told Mt they had sex several times a week which is over 200 times, plus he had another woman he hooked up with at the same time and she was 80!

He loved having sex with them. One of them besides the sex would cook dinner for him a lot, go to the cinema and different places together. They had a great time together. 🤷🏼‍♀️




He was a womanizer!!

[DJB72]

Biggest age gap I've had was 5 years. Biggest I'd consider at my current age is 15 younger, 5 older.

I have friends with a 20 year gap who celebrated their Golden anniversary 3 years ago ages 91 & 71 - he's younger - and were parted peacefully about 6 months later when she slipped away in her sleep.

Dick van Dyke's wife is 46 years his junior.

Not everyone can deal. Especially if she's older. As long as everyone is over the legal age in your hometown then it's nobody's business but theirs.

[Alwayreckles93]

You will get a good christian husband , he know the word of the Lord from the back of his head. He will lives according to christian standers. He will be very knowledgeable about God and the bible. You will not have to deal putting up with childish behavior or the useless trash of him playing vidoe games. Sadly guys our age millenials do not live according christian standers.

[BlissfullyCurSed]

Hails to these queens! They are doing God's work by helping old men.

[molonski2]

I've been in a number , all of mine are like this because I'd never go out with a female my age , unless maybe she was a wealthy super model who still had a great sexual appetite.

I'm always pretty much around 20 years older , occasionally 15 , but that very standard , it works really well if the guy is older.

[BourbonAndBacon]

I'm in a 20 year age gap relationship. It works because I'm very active and she is an old soul. We are both athletic. Neither of us notice an age difference when we're together. I think if you notice an age difference then it's not going to work and you're together for the wrong reasons

[Alwayreckles93]

Bingo this here. Im an old soul too and my husband henis 47 about to be 48 .

[Kaamraj]

I was in an age gap relationship where by girlfriend was 15yrs younger than me. It was the purest form of relationship where we both knew why we were with the other, she for resources and me for youth and beauty.

I don't have problem paying and spending if I am not getting any head games in return. But I had to eventually end the relationship because she developed a habit for nose candy.

[Inbox]

Nose candy? You mean like the cow rings people put in their noses?

[Kaamraj]

No, it's an expensive white powder that people like strech into lines and inhale.

[NathanDavis]

for me, it was a four year difference... and to be honest, I do not remember that age difference to be any issue or anything like that... we were both already working and living similar life styles too

[HawkPerception]

Maximum age gap I've had is 5 years. It's not different at all other than the fact girls seem to be more attracted to the fact that you're older than them and respect you a bit more even subconsciouslu, so the relationship dynamic is better. I'd honestly be willing to date with an age gap as much as 10 years at this point in my life. I could probably even date an 18 year old if she was mature enough. Have yet to talk to a mature 18 year old though 😂

[LiamJHayden]

I dated a lady 17 years older when I was 24. It was great till her family and friends decided she was "robbing the cradle." I've dated several 10+ years older, and most I've dated have been 5+ years older. The youngest dated was a few months younger than I am.

[DizzyDesii]

Right now there is a 1 year difference. I prefer to keep my max to 4 year difference but i have had a 9 year difference before. Not my preference

[Onyx436]

I’m 21 now and I have been in age -gap relationships for most of my relationships. At most 13yrs. Just make sure he is respectful, patient and allows you to grow. Older doesn’t always mean better though. That was both the best and worst relationship I had been in , it lasted 4 years. Make sure he is RESPECTFUL!

[MrShaun]

I agree that as you get older, age difference doesn't make as much of a difference.

Like at my age, is be hesitant to date anyone who was much more than, say, 45 years younger.

EWWWW!!!

Come on. Some of you laughed. The other half will no longer have anything to do with me. To those, I apologize. I feel terrible I offended you - maybe.

[Girlygirl200014]

From my understanding and what I’ve seen with one of my friends, there’s a generation gap. She was dating a guy who was 12 years older than her. And that guy was so backward and orthodox. He never understood his girlfriend and her needs. For him having a girlfriend was more like having a sister who he could get intimate with any time. For him dating was only sexual intercourse and orthodox thinking.

[rachel776]

my boyfriend is around 15 years older than me and i like it very much

[SphynxUK]

The largest gaps were 22 years, when I was 26 and he was 48.
And 15 years, when I was 46 and he was 31.