How much age gap in the relationship, do you think considered acceptable by society?

Question

Joshydavid25 · Accepted Answer

I would say that 10 years is the widest most acceptable age gap especially after 25, because then people stop caring as much.. You could go up to 15 the older you get to where it won't seem weird...

Nightmoon23 · Accepted Answer

10 years no more than that

Love Doctor Brad · Accepted Answer

Ah, the age gap conundrum! As a relationship coach, I'm here to sprinkle some flirty wisdom on this. Society can be a bit judgmental about age gaps, but love doesn't need a permission slip from society, does it? 😉 What's key is mutual respect, understanding, and shared goals, regardless of age. Sure, a big age gap might raise eyebrows, but it's all about the connection, not the calendar! Love is ageless. 💖

SteveSmith1985 · Answer

I don't know if there's really a specific number that you can say is the line between "acceptable" and "unacceptable"

I don't think that it's a definite line. It would be kinda crazy to say that an age-gap of however many years was acceptable, but if there were one more year added to the age gap... that same couple is suddenly unacceptable.

I think it's more of a sliding spectrum. So 5 years nobody blinks, 10 years... still acceptable,

15 years? now it depends on the ages of the couple. A 20 year old dating a 35 year old is acceptable... but it's less acceptable than a 40 year old dating a 55 year old.

20 years? Now I think you're getting into territory where a significant chunk of society will think it's acceptable... but barely. And again it depends on the ages of the people in question.

30 years? That's going to seem weird to most people. That's a 20 year old with a 50 year old.

But at the end of the day, what society might think of an age-gap shouldn't matter. You shouldn't choose not to date somebody you otherwise would... because you worry what 'society' might think about it. Who cares what other people think about it, if you're in a happy and healthy relationship. Fuck 'em. It's irrelevant what they think. That shouldn't factor into your decision making.

That being said, there are some inherent challenges trying to have a relationship where there's a significant age-gap. There's a reason people start to find it weird/wrong after an age-gap becomes too big (what's too big is going to be different for different people).

First, there's the power dynamic. A 50 year old guy dating a 20 year old girl inherently has a different power-dynamic than a 20 year old guy dating a 20 year old girl (or a 50 year old guy dating a 50 year old woman). Furthermore the 50 year old is likely more established, more financially secure than his 20 year old girlfriend. He as way more life experience. That's not the balanced power-dynamic of two equal partners.

Second, there's the different phases of life thing. A 20 year old is just starting out on their adult life. They may be in school. They may be just starting out in the workforce. Where does that 20 year old see herself in 5 years? How about the next 10 years? Probably they have an idea of what goals they're working towards (a degree; to rise up in their entry level job, or maybe to move to the other side of the country where they've always wanted to live someday). Does this 20 year old want kids at some point?

How about her 50 year old boyfriend: He might very well be divorced. He may or may not already have kids (those kids may or may not be older than his girlfriend). He's likely established working wherever he works. Is he going to want to have more kids within the next decade? Does he want to be trying to raise a teenager when he's 65? Is he going to agree to abandon his career to move to the other side of the country with her? Or is that something she'll be forced to abandon.

I've actually had so many long conversations about this. One of my oldest GAG friends who I've known for years, was 17 when we met (she's 23 or 24 now). Anyway... she had't ever been in a relationship. She always said that she just didn't find guys her age attractive. She's always been into older guys (in her head... she had never even kissed a boy during the first couple of years we were friends).

That isn't so unusual. But... she didn't mean "older guys" she meant "old" guys... like OLD guys. Guys in their 60's. The guy she found herself most attracted to were all old-ass, grey haired politicians.

I've had so many conversations with her about age-gap relationships (again, all hypothetical).

I will mention that my brother's wife's sister married a man in his late 50's when she was in her early 20s. Her husband has kids older than his wife. As far as I know, their marriage is just fine. But EVERYBODY thought it was weird. Her husband, does however, have all sorts of random health-issues. Other than that, their relationship seems to be working. 🙂

Summeroflove · Answer

So long as someone isn’t with someone underage I don’t care. What matters is having a genuine connection while some are creepy and questionable they picked one another they can deal with the consequences if it’s not meant to be.

But they aren’t all like that either sure some are older men more finding a younger woman whose naive and take control over her financially among other ways as well. But a lot of times she’s also looking for a sugar daddy. A lot of times it’s a matter of time of who screws the other over because a lot of times once she has blew all his money she will find someone else jump to. That or he dumps her and leaves her pretty much financially ruined because she never really had a backup plan.

But they aren’t like that always sometimes people truly love one another. The same goes for relationships where the woman’s older.

ShellyB · Answer

There are different levels of “accepted by society” I think, like legally, there is no limit as long as both are of age, as far as what people will gossip about, it really could be anything, you can’t control that. But to try to give as short an answer as I can I think the gap matters less as the age increases, in other words, a 20yo with a 16yo would raise more eyebrows than a 40yo with a 30yo. JMO!

BobbieBoy666 · Answer

Each state is different on age gaps

While societal views on age gaps in relationships vary, a general consensus suggests that age gaps of a few years (under 10) are often considered acceptable, with satisfaction potentially decreasing as the gap widens.
Here's a more detailed breakdown:
General Acceptance:
Many Western societies tend to accept age gaps of a few years, with some research suggesting that relationships with age gaps less than 10 years tend to have higher marital satisfaction.
Ideal Age Gap:
Some research suggests that an age gap of 1 to 3 years is considered ideal in many cultures.
Social Norms:
Societal norms and attitudes towards age gaps are not fixed and continue to evolve.
Factors to Consider:
Besides the age gap, factors like shared values, respect, and understanding are crucial for a successful relationship, regardless of age difference.
Cultural Variations:
While there is variation across cultures in the size of the difference in age-gap couples, all cultures demonstrate the age-gap couple phenomenon.
No Universal Rule:
There isn't a universal rule about what makes an age gap "acceptable".
"Half Your Age Plus Seven" Rule:
Some people use a "half-your-age-plus-seven" guideline as a social benchmark, but it's not a hard-and-fast rule.
Long-Term Goals:
Long-term goals and plans can also play a role in the success of a relationship, especially when there's a larger age gap.
Maturity Levels:
Maturity levels can also play a role in the success of a relationship, even when ages don't match.

Cormac995 · Answer

I know a man who is a nam vet who served as a combat medic. I think of him as a grandfather figure and love and respect him a lot. He is 20 years older than his wife. They met when he was in either his late 30s or early forties I think so yes, she was legal but not by a ton. Most people would say this is gross and he's a predator taking advantage of a younger woman, but they have the best and most loving marriage I've ever seen.

They've been together for over 20 years with no major hiccups or problems. They play little games together where they tease and flirt in various ways through the day and they live out on the wilderness alone together. It's like they have their own little world for their love if that makes sense? I wish I could find a partner that cared about me like that.

As long as people are of legal age and fully consenting age difference doesn't make a single difference. It's stupid to stigmatize it under those circumstances.

OneViewpoint · Answer

I don't really care what society finds acceptable. Every "Karen" will have a different opinion. My assessment goes something like this...

Is it legal?

Is it moral (for me)?

Is it ethical (for me)?

Is there a genuine connection that shouldn't be ignored?

In the last 10 years I've dated women who were younger than me by 30 years, 29 years, 28 years, 27 years, 26 years, 19 years, 14 years, 12 years, 6 years, and 5 years. I didn't approach or chase any of them. They all pursued me. And I can be a pain in the ass to get to know, LOL. 4 of them were married, trapped, and miserable, looking to feel alive and seen. Life is short, don't be quick to judge.

NathanDavis · Answer

I've never asked  the society  about their thoughts on my life, not really... so... I just don't think about that

SixFootSexy · Answer

Anyone above the legal age, with anyone else above the legal age. Literally the only people who care about this are typically older women who felt "used" when they were younger, often trading their youth and beauty for an older man's resources and experience. by the way if you are over 30 and respond to this with vitriol, you're only proving my point correct.

Maybe_Maybe_not · Answer

What I think of what society thinks? Hmmm, probably less than 10 years, between adults, it depends also on how visible age difference is. If one is 24 but looks 16 and the other 32 but looking 40 then I would expect a lot of staring/frowning upon activity?

NicholasRedone · Answer

Hmm as long as both people are legal adults aka 18 and over however in terms of that age from 18 plus - depending on genetics and other traits, surely a age gap of 10 years or more is unsustainable aka a 30 year old partner and a 18 year old partner - and down the track when they're a 40 year old partner and the other partner is only just hitting 28 : shrug 😔 😆

Unap0logetic_ · Answer

Past the age of 25, I feel like it’s up to the people. Before 25? I feel like 3-5 is where I’d say it should be aimed at.. it’s weird seeing people in their late 30s and even 40s trying to hit on 18 year olds. That’s creepy to me because what do you even have in common?

RedThread · Answer

I don't know. There was a woman who was 13 years younger than me who was really into me and I felt that was way too much of a gap. She was sweet and pretty, but it just felt morally wrong. If she was my daughter, I wouldn't want her dating someone my age.

jahaims · Answer

It depends on all kinds of variables. A 15 year age gap isn't the same for everyone. An 18 year old and a 33 year old dating is gross because the 18 year old has no life experience and can be easily manipulated etc. A 40 year old dating a 55 year old isn't gross because the 40 year old has enough life experience to not be manipulated by the person with more life experience.

Nikki1989 · Answer

Mainstream society would probably say 5 years or less, but thinking outside the box is not something the mindless sheep are good at.

fish5505_87 · Answer

I would say 15 years is a general consensus, although there are examples everywhere of extremes, especially in Hollywood or the world of the super wealthy. As far as people that I that am friends with or whom I associate with, not more than 15 years. Not that I would care. I know of people with larger gaps.

D_Bone_Steak · Answer

My goal is to creampie 15 year olds when I hit 90 years old. Fucking tasty.

lilBigPotato · Answer

The older the people involved the bigger the age gap that is tolerated

Pterodon · Answer

I’ve dated 15 years older and 25 years younger and I never gave a shit what others thought

Valdemort · Answer

Bruv. The people in the relationship should be happy- and legal, for that matter. Anything else is irrelevent.

PeachyPie93 · Answer

Probably 10 years but some people think 20 year gaps are fine too so who knows..

molonski2 · Answer

I really don't care what others think. Mine are always at least 20 years , on some occasions moreso in Australia , I'd get some dirty look in Aldi or the like.

xcheerleader_jessx · Answer

By society? 10 years if it's a younger woman and older male. 5 years if it's a younger guy and a woman.  I wouldn't go older or younger than 5 year gap.

Kingofkings1992 · Answer

Depends on the ages. There’s no definitive line between acceptable and unacceptable. For example, an 18 year old and 28 year old is a little cringy. While a 28 year old and 38 year old is fine. Same amount of gap, but different frame of reference.

RageBabe · Answer

My age-gap relationship is going well; I consider it appropriate for myself; nevertheless, I cannot speak for others and what they find appropriate.

ImalwaysrightOK · Answer

Any as long as the guy is older and the woman is under 35.

elizamichale1 · Answer

As long as 2 of them r ok with each other and of age... it doesn't really matter what society says coz our society will always have one objection or the other no matter what

Bklynbadboy12 · Answer

I honestly don't know cause I don't care what society thinks as long as both people in the relationship are adults who cares what society thinks

TDDMS · Answer

The age gap increases as both parties get older. For me I'm perfectly fine w/ a 30 and 20 yr old getting together. But if a man is 45 and the woman is 28, it's not strange.

RingOfFire · Answer

I don't know what's acceptable to "society," nor do I care. But what's acceptable to me is any kind of personal relationship between consenting adults.

laurieluvsit · Answer

Very little 'is', any amount 'should be' in a free society... just saying

Fireguy17 · Answer

For myself at my age 10 to 15 max. The older you get the less it matters, at a young age only a couple 2 3 years because of the maturity level.

1073sucks · Answer

If man is older 10 years max  if woman is older 7 years max

LiamJHayden · Answer

By society: depends upon the age of the partners. Most might look at 28 and 18 as creepy. Few would look at 50 and 40 that way even though the age difference is the same.

Oldschool1981 · Answer

My wife is 12 years older than her current boyfriend. She's 40 and says she wouldn't date any younger than that

Wayneg89 · Answer

As long as both people are of age and both want the relationship and are happy then it's not anyone's business how big the age gap is. Me personally my range is /- 10 years.

Professor-college · Answer

Well I believe society can be very annoying when they meddle with business and affairs they shouldn't... Finding love companionship attraction all these things is complicated and they don't need to even make it more by giving opinion nobody wants

FunkyMonkee · Answer

What does it matter, as long as they love each other.

nawtee_me · Answer

Society doesn’t determine what I do. The girl I am seeing is 30 years younger than me. However I have dated girls in their twenties.

Jerre · Answer

I don’t think there shud be an age gap as long as both of legal age. I have dated and had sex with girl aged 18-65.

KittygosMeoWW · Answer

As long as they’re both over 19 10 year age gap is fairly rational

MK1997 · Answer

Society is very judgmental about age gaps unless both are middle aged

iloveadvicehehe · Answer

5 years max and they both have to be at least adults ( just so it doesn't look like pedifilism)

standardguy · Answer

I think 50 percent of the age of the woman is maximum age difference

PaleDale · Answer

As long as it's legal and consensual I have no problem with it.

you_asked · Answer

If I turn 80 and she is 20.. that’s cool.  So I guess give or take 60 years.

IslaTheWitch · Answer

I don't care for strangers' opinions... :D

Cheerfull009 · Answer

It mutual consent of both partners , society cannot object

BentleyCross · Answer

Any I'm 43 and really like 18s. They are strong horny and egar

oldpigg · Answer

I don't like old women.

Neverfail99 · Answer

I don’t date more than 10 years older.

dudeinohio · Answer

I'll go. up to 7 years younger

Chargirllll · Answer

Any gap as long as both are adults

libralove · Answer

My girlfriend is 54 and I’m 31

noohair · Answer

Screw what society thinks.

CubaPirate · Answer

Depends on the ages of those involved

JohnnyBGood2U · Answer

5 years if they are both above 18.

WhitneySnow · Answer

A few years

Shiprex · Answer

0 to infinity

glennos89 · Answer

10 years max

TheLastSinosaur · Answer

Less than 10

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