How Old is Too Old?

One thing in our culture that is a very hot topic is age differences in relationships. So the question that occurs with so many couples often ask is, how old is too old? There is so many crazy equations out in the world for calculating how much of an age gap should be in a relationship. But in reality, it's up to the discretion of the couple to decide this. Of course, there are many questions you can consider before coming upon your own answer.

First off you have to consider, how uncomfortable you may feel being the younger or older person in the relationship? Sometimes people have a hard time dating someone older or younger. Often partners cannot look past the age difference and end up viewing their significant other as higher or lower in authority.

That's another question you need to think about. Will there be a higher power in the relationship? Sometimes the older person in the relationship may unintentionally look down upon the other and end up controlling the relationship. For some people this is an okay situation. But for some people, the power must be shared or only slightly different.

Something else to consider is maturity. Age differences can bring about different levels of maturity. It's safe to assume someone who is twenty-five is going to be much more mature than someone who is sixteen. So you have to consider how well you can relate to your partner. If you find your partner's level of maturity does not mesh well with yours, then you might want to reevaluate your relationship.

You must also consider how society will view your relationship, and do you care? For some society can pound sand. For many others, the judgment that may be passed upon them is a big factor in the age gaps in their relationships. Go back in history and you will see at one point it was deemed socially acceptable to have large age differences in relationships. In fact, it almost seemed odd to marry someone of your age. Now it’s quite the opposite. So you have to think, do I want to be criticized about this? If you don't, great. If you do, then maybe you shouldn't date someone older or younger than you. The jist of it is, no one can decide if your relationship should have an age gap except for you. You have to decide for yourself, how old is too old?