The question of age and relationships goes back to the beginning of time. For several years it was more accepted for older men to date younger women. Even in Hollywood today, the movies frequently show a much older man as the love interest for a woman that could be his daughter or even at times, granddaughter.
In reality, though, will the number of years between both of you hinder or help when it comes to your relationship? Here are some things to consider if you’re thinking of getting serious with someone from another generation.
Your Life Experience
Some people just seemlike a good fit, regardless of age. There are folks that remain young at heart throughout their lives. It would make sense that they’d be paired up with someone equally as youthful, both in terms of age and outlook. On the same note, an “old soul” is someone that always seems to be a bit more adult and thoughtful than his or her cohorts. These folks would naturally be better with someone who matched their level of maturity.
- Point to ponder: Does your partner “seem” like your age, even though they differ from you by several years?
Your Common Interests
When people share the same types of hobbies and activities, their chance at relationship success drastically increases. In a partnership between an older and extremely younger person, the need to teach and learn from the other may be the initial source of attraction. This could result in one person continually “learning” (and therefore doing) the other’s favorite activities. Over time this can cause the younger individual to want to branch out and discover their own perferences.
- Point to ponder: Before you take yourself off the market, make sure you both share more than just fascination with each other.
Your Level of Independence and Emotional Need
In a more “traditional” relationship, people age, mature, and progress at roughly the same pace. But in a relationship dominated by age difference, one person may need more emotional support while another may need independence. Perhaps your partner was in a long-term relationship and is now used to someone taking care of them, while you like the opportunity to be on your own once in awhile. Or maybe one person’s physical person will decline while the other remains healthy.
- Point to ponder: As time marches on, your partner’s emotional needs may transform drastically. Can you cope with this change?
Your Long-Term Relationship Goals
When you first meet someone and hit it off, age really doesn’t seem to matter. As time goes on, however, the difference in years can make itself apparent when both of you want different things. Someone much older, for example, may already have children and not want to start a family. Someone that dates a much younger person may be ready to settle down and have to wait for their mate to feel ready for marriage and/or children. As time goes on, these issues only seem to magnify.
- Point to ponder: If you and your significant other differ on the point of marriage and children, are you willing to give up or change your desire for family life?
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