Romances from May to December are met approached with raised eyebrows, but a study has shown that women in relationships with a large age difference are the most satisfied with their love life. While the maturity of the older partner is already a well-known factor in the success of these unions, there are many other reasons why seeking someone who is literally beyond or well below your years can lead to a happy marriage.
We explored other advantages of having a large age difference between couples, which would explain why these commitments can last forever.
Age Gaps in Relationships and Long-term Happiness
They Both Know What They Want, And Their Respective Ages Fit Each Other’s Priorities
People can pursue different goals when they reach a certain age. There are some younger women who are ready for a family and older men who may still want children. In that case, the older-younger pair is a “good investment.”
A woman looking to start a family may be looking for the maturity and stability that a more experienced man can bring, while an older man looking to have children may be looking for someone who is in good reproductive shape.
For couples in which the wife is older than the husband, an advantage is that the woman is already sure of what she wants in life. This means there is less chance of getting mixed messages from her and the man will know exactly where he stands. Older women also tend to deal with problems more logically and fairly.
Older Partners Understand What Their Younger Spouses Need
Marrying an older person can mean more space for the things you want to do. They were also once young, so they tend to be more understanding if you need to spend some personal time on their hobbies or interests. They won’t necessarily take it against you or assume there’s something wrong with the relationship.
Their Marriage Has A Combination Of Wisdom And Energy
Having different levels of maturity can be healthy if it offers complimentary perspectives for couples. A trans woman describes how the 15-year age difference with her partner influences their relationship, saying that because they are in different stages of life, they bring different things to the table when it comes to bargaining.
And while the older spouse brings wisdom, the younger spouse can act as a fountain of youth, bringing a special kind of spontaneity to the relationship.
There’s A Lot Of Exciting Exchange Between Them
Growing up in different cultural eras means that there are many stories to share. As one woman dating a boy 12 years older said, the two learned a lot from their relationship: “I taught him to surf and he has been teaching me financial things since I tried to buy my first home. It is beneficial for both sides! “
The Relationship Moves At A Faster Pace
Due to age concerns, a younger or older partner may become more aggressive about their relationship goals. One wife says that because her husband is 11 years older than she is, “time was running out,” so they started having a family much earlier than she probably would if she married someone of her own age.
Another 39-year-old woman says she prefers to be with someone older because she wants to have children and could not wait for someone who is “still growing.”
They Strive Harder To Make The Relationship Work
According to experts, couples from May to December face several challenges, including stigma and social disapproval or lack of support from family and peers. Different career paths and health issues are also factors that can affect your connection.
These things force them to navigate tough obstacles early in the relationship and can build a strong foundation as a result.
At the end of the day, love is love. As long as the relationship is built on trust, commitment, and respect, the marriage is likely to be successful, regardless of age.
Is age an important consideration for you when looking for a life partner? Why or why not?
Preview photo credit JEAN-BAPTISTE LACROIX / AFP / East News, Kathy Hutchins / Shutterstock.com
