Remember, relationships aren’t automatically perfect when both partners are identical. In fact, those relationships can be really uninteresting sometimes. There’s actually evidence that an age gap can be a good thing. Some studies indicate that relationships with an age discrepancy can last longer and be more fulfilling than couples where both partners are the same age. [2] X Research source
You could cook together every day to make dinner a special experience, or take a cooking class together. You might have a dedicated movie night if you’re both cinephiles, or game night if you’re both board game enthusiasts. If you’re both on the sporty side, you could pick up a new sport together. Tennis is an awesome couples activity!
Try new things in the bedroom. There’s a stereotype out there that the older you are, the less sexual you are. That’s certainly not the case for a lot of people, though. Shake things up!
It’s easy to feel embarrassed when this kind of stuff happens, but treat is as opportunity to share something and learn from one another. Don’t shy away from your differences. Instead, treat them as something worth celebrating and sharing with one another. It’s all about your attitude![8] X Expert Source Julia McCurleyCertified Professional Matchmaker Expert Interview. 30 September 2021.
In the heat of an argument, it can be tempting to lash out and say things like, “You just think that because you’re old,” or, “You don’t know anything, you’re just a kid. ” This kind of language turns a disagreement into a fight, so don’t do it.
For example, if your older partner wants to spend more weekends relaxing and you still have a little party left in you, maybe you compromise by going out on Saturdays and leaving Fridays as your chill night together. If you’re dating a person younger than you and they want to travel more while you want to focus on work, maybe you compromise by turning big two-week trips into a few weekend trips so you don’t have to miss things at your workplace.
You’re both likely in different stages of life. For example, a 25-year-old may be thinking about going back to school, or pouring energy into their career. Their 35-year-old partner may be starting to wonder about moving to the burbs and starting a family. It’s okay to be in different places. It just means that you have to take your time working through your bigger decisions.
If you just keep these anxious feelings to yourself, you may start to resent your partner. Every relationship has its insecurities and challenges—age gap or not. Don’t get down about this, and remember that your age gap does not have to be a major obstacle.
Age is just one part of what makes you you, and there’s no reason it has to be a defining factor in your relationship, the same way it doesn’t need to be a key part of your social life.
One of the biggest factors on the survival of an age gap relationship is how much value the couple puts on the approval of others. If you two can ignore the haters, the age gap won’t feel so impactful. [17] X Research source If someone puts you down or critiques you for dating someone younger or older than you, brush them off and don’t entertain it. Don’t allow your relationship to be impacted by the opinions of others.
If your older partner tends to prefer going to bed earlier, you may just get used to reading in bed for a while before they snooze, or letting go of the expectation that you two go to sleep at the same time. If your younger partner wants to go out with friends on the weekend, you may feel insecure about it at first. Over time, you may realize its just not a big deal, or even start to enjoy going out with them!
