Mariam Youssef 
The age difference in relationships should scarcely be a concern in today's modern, accepting world. If you've fallen in love with someone who has a significant age gap, there are several crucial factors to take into account. Age really is just a number, and in a relationship, love is everything. Furthermore, as long as there is unconditional love between two individuals, differences in color, ethnicity, language, and religion should not be obstacles. But can a couple who have a major age difference start and stay in a relationship? In this article, we give you information regarding the age gap in relationships, including its benefits and drawbacks as well as advice on how to make one last.
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Does age really matter in relationships?
All of us know that age is a number. However, each of those numbers comes with a steep learning curve in terms of education, maturity, and relationship experience. Despite their age differences, some people can complement one another well. However, this is not the case for the majority of people. Age frequently indicates a power imbalance, be it in the areas of sexuality, finances, or responsibilities.
Answering this question, in most cases, it doesn't. Regardless of age or generational differences, relationships depend on mutual understanding and connection between couples. As long as a couple loves, respects, and cares for one another, they can have a solid connection. It's common to have a spouse who is a bit older than you, but if the age difference is too big, it could seem unusual.
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Is there an ideal age gap?
The majority of couples favor an age difference between partners of three to five years. However, there are other situations in which the age gap exceeds 15 to 20 years or in which the woman is older than the man.
According to a survey, men and women both prefer a three-year gap, with the man being older. Additionally, it claims that whereas women will only tolerate an age difference of 10 years above their own, older men will consider relationships with women who are far younger than them.
According to yet another study, there are other factors that can determine whether a relationship succeeds or fails, in addition to the age difference. Most people want to date someone who is a few years younger or older. Women are more open in their approach, but males like to have relationships with women who are younger than them.
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Why does age matter in a relationship?
It's natural to assume that someone older will by default be in a better financial situation than the younger person. However, it's not always the case. Some people achieve financial success rapidly in their early years of life. These could be some reasons why age matters in a relationship:
Personal development
When your partner is, for example, 15 years older than you, he’s probably developed his personal views on life and currently knows what he wants. You, on the other hand, may not match his level of maturity. Your decisions may seem reckless to him and he may look so conservative to you.
Age affects our values and choices
People naturally desire a partner who shares their passions and interests. However, these things vary as we age. As we get older, it can be challenging for us to change our priorities, especially if they conflict with those of our partners. If you're in a relationship with someone who has different aspirations from you, the age gap becomes a problem. You can be annoyed that your partner has different priorities than you. When two people have different interests in life, it may cause conflict about money and other matters.
Conflicting life goals
Even if it is uncommon for a couple to be in an identical life stage, the elder spouse could lead an entirely distinct way of life than the younger one. The elder spouse may not be interested in having kids or may have different goals that their partner does not share. The two partners may end up at odds as a result of this given their age gap. Conflicts between spouses who are different ages can also arise from variations in values and views. For instance, while some people desire to get married young, other people do not feel ready to do so until a later stage of life.
Advantages of age gap in a relationship
Maturity
The age of a person does not always indicate how well you will get along with them. However, there are some lessons you may draw from your partner's experience that will help you grow as a person. For instance, if your partner is older and more experienced than you are, they may have more knowledge to pass on on specific instances where you could gain from their perspective.
Sharing views
Couples with age gaps may have diverse worldviews and philosophies. It infuses some newness into the relationship while helping in mutual understanding and acceptance of one another's viewpoints.
Financial stability
Due to their earlier start, an older spouse is likely to be more settled. This gives the couple the added benefit of a secure financial situation.
How to make a relationship with an age gap work?
Respecting personal space
Keep your distance from your partner. Recognize the value of allowing space. Giving each other space is crucial in any relationship, but it becomes much more crucial when there is a large age gap.
Patience is key
The larger the age gap is, the more patience you require in your relationship to make it work. Being composed and calm lets you win part of the fight because you can see things clearly.
Flexibility
Avoid being overly strict with your partner. In order to establish a solid relationship with your spouse, it's critical that you both be adaptable and sympathetic to one another.
The degree to which partners support one another in accomplishing personal objectives, promote commitment, trust, and intimacy in their relationship, and find constructive solutions to challenges determines the success of a relationship. Age has very little impact on these factors. Age should therefore not be a barrier for couples as long as they focus on their relationship, even though an age gap may provide certain challenges.
Main image credit: @thehughjackman
