While some people view age as a significant factor in dating, others prioritise their partner’s personality over how old they are.
However, an Australian study suggests that the age difference between partners could be key to a successful relationship.
The research found that “couples with large age gaps had a faster decline in relationship satisfaction in their first six to 10 years of marriage than similarly aged couples.” For heterosexual couples, it states that those with an age gap of one to three years – where the man is older than the woman – were most common and experienced the highest level of satisfaction. .
The statement reads: “Relationship satisfaction decreased slightly for couples with age gaps of four to six years and continued to decrease for couples with an age gap of seven or more years. “In short, research seems to indicate that in many cultures, an age gap of one to three years is considered ideal — but some researchers suggest even a relationship with an age gap of less than 10 years will bring more satisfaction.
“Still, numbers rarely tell the full story when it comes to love. It’s possible to be much older or younger than your partner and have exactly the right relationship for you.”
One Reddit user commented on this, arguing that a person’s maturity level is a stronger indicator of whether the relationship will work out than their actual age. They said: “It goes by maturity level and how you treat each other. As long as the younger one isn’t being talked down to or feeling uncomfortable then I say whatever the gap…”
Another added: “An eight-year age gap between two consenting adults is fine. It is more an issue of personal compatibility, mutual attraction and ambitions and shared lifestyle preferences.”
While a third individual reflected on personal experience, saying: “I’m 39, my ex is 49, honestly it has more to do with maturity than anything. She became someone totally different and I had to get away from her. From my own experience at 39, almost 40, I prefer mid 20s-early 30s for my own reasons.
“Usually 18 to 22 crowd is a bit too immature for me and the late 30s to 40s tend to be the best, jaded, and treat me differently because I don’t have any kids and they almost always have kids that are teens or adults.”