Age difference - advantage or disadvantage?

How do you guys view age difference? Is it an advantage, or a disadvantage? Before I met my SO I wouldn't have thought of being in a relationship someone 2+ years older than me, but now I'm completely open to it.

I personally think that age is just a number, and that it's relative to maturity. I've met adults with the maturity of 8 year olds, and vice versa.

[80anthea]

My So is six years younger than me and I really don't give it much thought!

[lucybelle]

As a teenager, age definitely matters. The difference between a 15 and 17 year old is HUGE. But the difference between a 25 and 27 year old is hardly noticeable.

[Fretboard_Magic]

Well, my girlfriend is basically about half my age(she's still in her teens). Some people (on here) have expressed concerns about that because of the BIG ASS age difference, but to me, it's not about age at all. I've always focused on the compatibility aspect more than anything else. If there was someone my age who was in my area, and was almost as compatible with me as my girlfriend was but not quite, then I would've still chosen my girl. I generally get on better with younger girls to begin with, and especially where romance is concerned, so the age part isn't a problem for me(but sometimes I let it get to me when I become extremely negative....but that's rare).

Anyway, in my case it's been an advantage because my girl, being much younger than I am, keeps my mind fresh. She introduces me to new ideas and perspectives. I find all that to be pretty stimulating. I wouldn't say I'm super knowledgeable on various "adult" matters since I'm just a musician who never really have had to experience the harsh reality of the world(in terms of the 9-to-5 system). But what I can do is to pass on the information I have, and that's something I kind of hope to do for my girl where called for. One thing I can say is that she's definitely mature. I wouldn't really say "for her age" because that's kind of condescending in my opinion. She's just mature in some ways, totally pure and adorable in some other ways, and overall awesome.

[Moon]

As a teenager, age definitely matters. The difference between a 15 and 17 year old is HUGE. But the difference between a 25 and 27 year old is hardly noticeable.

Mmmm hmmm, yup, this.

[Dziubka]

Like lucybelle said, age difference is relative. Four years is a huge difference if you're 14 (10 - 14 - 18 HUGE difference), but four years at 30 is a small difference (26 - 30 - 34).

You will always be able to find examples of adults who are immature and 14yr olds who are wise beyond their years. But does that mean that age has nothing to do with maturity? Most people by far are more mature at 20 than they were at 14 and less mature than they're going to be at 26 or 40.

Big age differences don't ring well with me. There may be some exceptions where it really is a lucky fit, but statistically it's simply not very likely. In most cases with a big age difference comes a big power imbalance to the advantage of the older partner.

[OperaDiva]

I would say that it is an issue, or has the potential to create issues, rather than give it a simple - or + sign. It is not something to be ignored or belittled, so I disagree with the "age is just a number" statement.

Agree with lucybelle too, and also with this

In most cases with a big age difference comes a big power imbalance to the advantage of the older partner.

[differentcountries]

Usually, I have been with people about my age (+/- 2 years). Up to a certain age, age differences can be challenging because expectances and possabilities are to different. Usually (though certainly not always) people who are not 18 or just finished school are inexperienced in handling their own finances, taking big decitions etc.

Now I find myself in a relationship with someone 7 years younger. I would say for the most part I don't think about it, sometimes I think it is refreshing and sometimes it can be a bit hard. I will not say that he is immature, but he definetely lacks some experience that I have. Like he has never been in a serious relationship before, and I have. Others his age may of course have that experience. Anyhow, I sometimes wonder where the line goes between trying to give him advice/direction (aka risk mothering him) and let him be and let him experience for himself.

[newrytoballymena]

I don't think age gaps as such are an issue, it is more so the life stage gaps are an issue. For example my boyfriend is 20 and in college whereas I am 23 and working. So there is that gap between us. If he was working and not in college, then perhaps the gap would not feel soo important.

[Zephii]

I don't really consider it an age difference if it's less than four years. Less than that, even in your teens, you're peers. You're more or less on the same level until maturity is factored in.

I can't see any advantage to age difference relationships that couldn't also be present in peer relationships, but I can see disadvantages to having a large age gap (by large I mean 15 or more years)

[Deleted]

I don't really consider it an age difference if it's less than four years. Less than that, even in your teens, you're peers. You're more or less on the same level until maturity is factored in.

I can't see any advantage to age difference relationships that couldn't also be present in peer relationships, but I can see disadvantages to having a large age gap (by large I mean 15 or more years)

Huh, that makes a lot of sense. I agree

[kria]

I, personally, have no problem with age difference. I think it is up to each individual what their personal age range should be with their SO. As long as the couple is comfortable with it, then everyone else should just try to be as supportive as possible. Sometimes it can be difficult, especially if the age difference is significantly large, but as long as the couple is happy then who cares what their age is.

[TwoThree]

When I was much younger I wanted to marry a man who would be much older than me, like ten years older would have been perfect.

My SO is eleven months younger than I am and it's just perfect.

My opinion has changed on age difference as I grew up. Right now, the way I see it is that if your SO was born after you hit puberty, then I'm grossed out by it. Good for you if you're happy, though.

[LadyDaemon]

I don't take issue with age difference except in cases where it's like a 15 or 16 yr old dating someone in their 30s or 40s. Then I think it's too much. Me and my SO are 9 years apart. I'm almost 23 & he's 31. But we don't really have any issues. The balance of power is actually pretty equal between us and we haven't experienced anything as far as lack of experience in any given area. But I suppose that has to do with the fact that I had to grow up rather quickly when I was a kid,I went through things that most people don't have to really endure usually until they're mid-life or haven't endured at all. I honestly think it's relative to the couple for the most part.

[Chlo]

It's funny because I never actually thought my SO would like me because of our age gap. Theres 7 years between us - I'm 21, he's 28.
Honestly, I forget theres an age gap. I don't feel theres a difference the majority of the time.
I think it only becomes an issue when you're younger, teens and someone is a lot older. That or if you personally think the age gap is the cause of a problem.