In today's day and age, it doesn't matter who is older and how much the age difference is as long as the love shared is pure and the connection is worthy. But while it's true that age is just a number, it can sometimes turn into a cause of concern for couples.
It's pretty common to date someone who's a few years younger or older than you, and often the age difference is no big deal. Sometimes, maturity levels match, even when ages don't.
A lot of people assume that couples who have a large age gap are more likely to have an 'unsuccessful relationship' (whatever that means) but according to Associate Professor Gery Karantzas, from the School of Psychology at Deakin University, "age doesn't matter."
In short, research seems to indicate that in many cultures, an age gap of 1 to 3 years is considered ideal — but some researchers suggest even a relationship with an age gap of less than 10 years will bring more satisfaction.
Think of 10 years as a general guideline, but be open to other ages as well—and don't limit yourself to dating only someone older. "'Cast a wide net' is what I tell all my clients,” Sussman says. “Men should date older, and women should be OK experimenting with dating younger. And we should all be more open-minded.”
Is it too much of a gap? No it's not. Girls tend to mature earlier than boys, so you are closer in maturity than you may think.
Fitzpatrick says that the general age gap usually accepted by society is about ten to twelve years, after which you'll probably start raising some eyebrows; "Once one partner is old enough to be the other's parent, people tend to frown."
A 20-year-old should not be in a relationship with a 17-year-old. While a three-year gap isn't, in itself, absolutely good or bad, even small age differences can be significant for younger people. They may be at different stages of emotional maturity.
No that's really weird. A twelve year old is in what 6th or 7th grade, while a 15 year old is a freshman or sophomore. Three year age gaps are always weird, but especially when one is in middle school and the other is in high school.
There is no hard and fast rule on what kind of an age gap is or isn't acceptable in any relationship. While couples typically tend to have an age gap of around one to three years in many cultures, each individual will have a different comfort level that they feel is right for them.
Although older men used to be viewed as perverts or “sugar daddies” for dating younger women, dating outside of one's age range is becoming acceptable for both parties. For younger women, dating an older man can be exciting and fulfilling if they can find one who is dating them for the right reasons.
They bring out their sense of youth
It makes him feel revitalized and younger at heart. For some men, having a young attractive woman by their side at social events is a matter of pride. Being desired by a younger woman makes them a subject of admiration and envy amongst other men.
Studies have found partners with more than a ten-year gap in age experience social disapproval. But when it comes to our own relationships, both men and women prefer someone their own age, but are open to someone 10-15 years their junior or senior.
Most women feel a sense of security with older men as they believe they tend to be more accomplished. Another common reason is that women believe that older men usually lack the insecurities that younger men tend to possess and are more sure of themselves.
A 16-year-old dating an 18-year-old is not a big age difference. It's only 2 years apart in age and a 16-year-old isn't a child equivalent to a 5-year-old, and an 18-year-old isn't an adult equivalent to a middle-aged man. They're both developmentally adolescents in high school.
“Dating” can certainly imply sexual contact, which is illegal between a fifteen-year-old and an eighteen-year-old. This obviously can be a big problem. For more information about problems of dating a minor, please click on the following articles: What Is Statutory Rape?
It's not too big of an age gap but you do need to wait until the youngest of you is over the age of consent before engaging in sexual intercourse. This age varies around the world from about 12 years old up to 18 years old.
Sure as long as they aren't doing anything sexual. 15 is below the age of consent in most places (unless they happen to be in Japan) and is not a legal adult age anywhere, but it's only a two year age difference, so if it's consensual and there's nothing sexual going on, then go for it. Yes, that's a norm.
The age of consent is 16
It is illegal for an adult in a position of trust or responsibility to have sex with a 16 or 17 year old. It is illegal to take, show or distribute a sexual photo of a child in any circumstances, this includes photos made by young people themselves.
Couples with an age gap of 1 to 3 years (with the man older than the woman) were the most common and had the greatest levels of satisfaction. Relationship satisfaction decreased slightly for couples with age gaps of 4 to 6 years and continued to decrease for couples with an age gap of 7 or more years.
Originally Answered: Are 14 and 16 too much of an age gap? Two years is not a large age gap at all. The only situation in which 14 and 16 would be questionable or potentially bad is if the individuals intend to have sex, and only if 14 is legally to young to concent by the laws of your country and state.
Romantic couples with a large age gap often raise eyebrows. Studies have found partners with more than a ten-year gap in age experience social disapproval. But when it comes to our own relationships, both men and women prefer someone their own age, but are open to someone 10-15 years their junior or senior.
It is not necessarily wrong, but some may see it as weird. It is not illegal as long as there are no sexual actions. Be very careful. If you really love each other and it's meant to be, it will work itself out.