Age gap relationships! Good or bad?

Age gap relationships, where one partner is significantly older or younger than the other, have been a topic of interest for many years. These relationships can be found in various forms, from romantic partnerships to platonic friendships. While some may view age gap relationships as unconventional, they are becoming increasingly common in today's society.

However we still often see women shaming men for dating and even marrying younger women.

According to a study conducted by the Pew Research Center, the percentage of couples with a significant age gap has increased over the past few decades.From 1980 till 2015now the percentage of couples who are more than five years apart in age has grown from 4% to 14%.  

This increase can be attributed to a variety of factors:

· Acceptance of non-traditional relationships.

· Rise of online dating-creating the ability to connect outside of ones typical social circle.

· Economic factors.

· Increased independence, particularly with women now choosing careers first before pursuing relationships.

· People marrying older. In the last 40 years the average age of a first marriage has gone

from 23 to 29 for men, and 21 to 27 for women.

There is nothing wrong with dating someone 5, 10, or even 20 years younger than yourself.

What is the ideal age gap? Here lies the debate. Some experts believe that a small age gap, such as a few years, is ideal. This allows for both partners to be in similar stages of life and have similar interests. You can be 60 she can be 40 and if you are both done having kids great. But if you are 48 and she is 32 and wanting children, and you are done having kids then this will cause major issues in the relationship.

Others argue that a larger age gap can be beneficial, as it allows for a more diverse range of experiences and perspectives. Ultimately, the ideal age gap in a relationship depends on the individuals involved and their unique needs and wants.

Age gap relationships come with their own set of challenges. One of the most common is the societal judgment and stigma that often comes with these relationships. Many people view age gap relationships as unconventional and may question the motivations of the individuals involved. Additionally, age gap relationships can also be challenging when it comes to navigating the different life stages and experiences of each partner. For example, a relationship between a young adult and an older adult may have issues related to financial stability, career goals, and plans for the future.

Another challenge that may arise in age gap relationships is the potential for a power imbalance. This can occur when one partner is significantly older or more experienced than the other. This power imbalance can lead to issues such as manipulation, control, and lack of autonomy. This comes into play when a man is dating a woman in her early 20’s or younger.

However, age gap relationships can also have many benefits. For example, they can provide individuals with the opportunity to learn from someone with a different perspective and life experience. Additionally, age gap relationships can also be beneficial for individuals who may not be able to connect with individuals in their own age group.

At the end of the day, you should not care what other people say or think about your age gap relationship. A calm, grounded, masculine man will not worry about society’s often wrong or outdated rules.

Full disclosure, my girlfriend is 12 years younger than me! It has caused zero issues. To close, age gap relationships are becoming increasingly common in today's society. While they come with their own set of challenges, they can also be beneficial. Ultimately, the ideal age gap in a relationship depends on the individuals involved and their unique needs and wants. 

If you are in this situation and are feeling lost either drifting through life or in your current relationship feel free to email me at [email protected]. I am also present daily in www.mentoring.men a kickass online men’s community with over 20 group coaching sessions a month that I am a co-founder of.

References:

Pew Research Center. (2015). “The Rise of Dating Apps and the Demise of Getting Stuck in a Relationship.