© NL Beeld

Can an age gap affect relationships? -

If there is a big age difference in your relationship, this can affect your partnership in unique ways. But this doesn't just apply to the physical aspects of a relationship. 

© Shutterstock

Emotional maturity -

In relationships where there is a significant emotional age difference, it might be that the more mature partner has to carry a heavier emotional burden. This can be tiring.

© Shutterstock

Age doesn't ensure maturity -

However, being the older person in a relationship isn't necessarily a guarantee of emotional maturity, and being younger doesn't always mean your less mature.

© Shutterstock

Why people get maturity wrong -

Sometimes people associate age with emotional maturity because more years can mean more time to form complex perspectives.

© Shutterstock

Different life stages -

The larger the age difference between partners, the greater the chance of experiencing challenges related to different life stages.

© Shutterstock

Usual challenges -

The most common challenges are often different energy levels, life priorities, and plans to start a family.

© Shutterstock

Different priorities aren't exclusive to large age-gap relationships -

As with any relationship, it's important to openly talk about and understand each person's future priorities, particularly if you're aiming for a long-term relationship.

© Shutterstock

What is the ideal age diference? -

In many cultures, it is more common in hetero relationships for the man to be two to three years older than the woman. But is this an accepted norm? 

© Shutterstock

Statistics -

A study conducted in Australia in 2017 found that hetero couples with significant age differences experienced a faster decline in relationship satisfaction in the first six to ten years than couples of a similar age.

© Shutterstock

Age gap and depression -

An earlier study carried out in Korea in 2015 found that couples who are the same age tend to have the lowest rates of depression. However, couples with an age difference greater than three years had slightly higher rates.

© Shutterstock

The ideal age gap (statistically) -

Research suggests that most cultures view an age gap of one to three years as ideal, and some analysts suggest even an age gap of less than 10 years will bring more satisfaction.

© Shutterstock

Love is more than just a number -

However, numbers alone cannot convey a comprehensive understanding of love. It is of course possible to have a big age difference and still enjoy a happy and fulfilling relationship.

© Shutterstock

Issues with age differences in relationships -

However, some couples with large age differences may encounter certain obstacles.

© Shutterstock

Social stigma -

In societies where smaller age differences prevail, couples defined by a large age difference may be judged or criticized by others. This can be particularly hurtful if friends or family are skeptical about your relationship.

© Shutterstock

Power disparity -

Big age gaps can lead to an unbalanced power dynamic in which an older person assumes a dominant position. Similar situations can arise when one partner takes advantage of their partner's financial dependence in order to control them.

© Shutterstock

How to bridge the gap -

If you are having difficulties with your family and friends or are worried about the future of your relationship, the following tips can help you surmount a variety of challenges.

© Shutterstock

Set boundaries -

It's important to set clear boundaries with judgmental loved ones because it emphasizes the need for respect, even if they don't understand your relationship.

© Shutterstock

Communicate -

As in any relationship, it is important for couples to talk openly about challenges and concerns.

© Shutterstock

Consider your responses to others -

Think of a few answers to frequently repeated remarks about your relationship.

© Shutterstock

Share expectations -

It is important to understand your partner's expectations when you're far apart in age. Therefore, you should communicate your expectations openly and honestly to avoid misunderstandings.

© Shutterstock

Embrace the differences -

You may identify various differences with your partner, ranging from interests to perspectives. Instead of imposing your lifestyle, be supportive of where they are in theirs.

© Shutterstock

Find mutual interests -

Embrace the generation gap by prioritizing common interests. Spend time doing things you both enjoy, and venture into uncharted territory by experiencing new things together.

© Shutterstock

Accept the unpredictable -

Don't let the age difference become an awkward topic. If a problem arises, try to find solutions that are acceptable to both sides.

© Shutterstock

Give some room -

Keeping a sense of individuality within a relationship is just as important as nurturing shared experiences. Balance is key!

© Shutterstock

Understand that maturity is relative -

If you're the older one, you must regard your partner as a fully-fledged adult. And if you're the younger one, avoid referring to your partner as a "boomer" or "old-timer." Age alone isn't the only measure of maturity.

© Shutterstock

Think about your role as caregiver -

One older spouse may need long-term health care sooner than the other. If you're the younger partner, honestly consider whether you're ready to take on the role of caregiver.

© Shutterstock

Respect the relationship -

Remember that there are ups and downs in a relationship and that this is not necessarily due to the age difference. Instead, work on a strong emotional and physical bond.

© Shutterstock

Find your support network -

When faced with external judgement about your relationship, it can be helpful to connect with other couples who share similar experiences. This fosters a sense of belonging and builds new friendships.

© Shutterstock

Couples counseling -

If it is still proving difficult for both of you to overcome these challenges alone, you can also turn to couples counseling.

Sources: (Psych Central) (Brides)

See also: You won't believe the age gap between these celebrity couples!

© Shutterstock