So, how can you embrace the age difference, and how much is too much?
Scroll down to learn more about it!
If your relationship has a big age difference, it might impact your connection in specific ways. However, this isn’t unique to relationships with a large age gap.
In relationships with a large emotional gap, the more mature partner could end up carrying a heavier emotional load in the relationship. This can be exhausting.
Still, being the older partner doesn’t guarantee emotional maturity, just like being younger doesn’t always mean you’re less mature.
People sometimes connect age with emotional maturity because more years can mean more time to form complex perspectives.
The bigger the gap between partners, the more likely the relationship will struggle with phase-of-life related challenges.
Some common challenges might include differences in energy levels, life priorities, and plans to start a family.
Just like in any relationship, it’s key to discuss each person’s priorities for the future. Especially if you’re looking for a long-term relationship.
In many cultures, it’s most common in heterosexual relationships for the man to be two to three years older than the woman. But does it make for a good age gap?
An Australian study from 2017 found that heterosexual couples with large age gaps had a faster decline in relationship satisfaction in their first six to 10 years than similarly aged couples.
A Korean study from 2015 found that same-aged couples had the lowest rates of depression, while couples with an age gap of three years or more had slightly higher rates.
Overall, research seems to indicate that an age cap of one to three years is considered ideal in most cultures. But some researchers suggest even an age gap of less than 10 years will bring more satisfaction.
Still, numbers can’t tell us everything about love. It’s clearly possible to have a big age difference and be in the right relationship (for you).
Some couples with large age differences might, however, encounter certain roadblocks.
In cultures where small age gaps are more common, others may treat couples with a large age difference with judgment or criticism. This can be especially hurtful when friends or family are skeptical of your relationship.
Set boundaries
Setting boundaries with judgmental loved ones will remind them that even if they don’t understand your relationship, they need to respect it.
Like with any relationship, couples need to have open and honest conversations about challenges and concerns.
Large age differences can provoke unbalanced power dynamics, as an older partner might assume an authoritative role. It can also occur if one partner uses their partner’s financial dependence as a way to control them.
Watch out for part 2 next wk!
