We may make negative assumptions about the viability of a relationship when one partner is more than ten years younger or older than us. Some studies have found that partners who are significantly different in age have more trust and devotion in each other and are less prone to feel jealously than partners who are of similar age.
Read on to find out which age groups are more likely to have a happy ending and which may have more difficulties.
The perfect age space is 1 to 3 years
ANGELA WEISS/AFP/East News Chris Pizzello/Invision/East News
Some studies have found that couples with a maximum of three years’ age difference had the greatest likelihood of a successful relationship and the highest levels of total happiness in their relationship. There are a variety of reasons for this, including the fact that they have similar childhood experiences. Having shared experiences with the same shows and music from your youth might help you feel closer to one another.
Because of the milestones and changes in perspective that come with age, these connections improve as well. It’s possible that a relationship with a significant age difference may fail during the first six to ten years of dating. And there was just a little drop in relationship satisfaction for couples when there was a gap of four to six years in age.
The disadvantage of dating somebody with a big age space
Divorce is more likely after a certain number of years in a relationship with someone who is much older or younger than you are. According to the study, the younger partner is the one who eventually becomes unhappy and initiates the divorce. Obstacles, such as not having truly shared values or memories, and just seeking different things in life, can cause a relationship to fail.
Another significant obstacle is the age gap, which might cause the older spouse to want to take charge in a relationship with a much younger younger partner. The result is that the younger person feels controlled and the elder person feels burdened by responsibility.
When big age spaces work
Dating someone younger or older might open your eyes to different perspectives and experiences. You’re probably settled down if you’re dating an older person, but a younger partner can provide greater emotional, physical, and financial support.
To make this union work, both partners must be adaptable and willing to make concessions to meet the needs of the other. This is especially critical because you and your partner may have different life goals. Both of you may want to settle down and start a family. To make sure you both share the same values and to address any issues connected to age head on, open communication is essential.
Age isn’t the only element for a delighted relationship.
Of course, there are many caveats and other conditions that must coexist for a partnership to thrive. Factors like financial stability, having kids, and high IQ are all associated with healthy partnerships. Don’t let a little difference in age be the only thing standing between you and true love.
Catherine Zeta-Jones and Michael Douglas demonstrate that there is frequently no ideal age gap in romantic relationships. They’ve been together for a long time—she’s 53 and he’s 78—but their love is stronger than ever.
Sneak peek picture credit
ANGELA WEISS/AFP/East News Chris Pizzello/Invision/East News
Brilliant Side/Relationships/Science Explains Why Some Age Gaps Don’t Work In Relationships, and Why Others Do