Significant Age Gaps in Relationships

[highfemmetop]

My girlfriend is 10 years older than me, when we first started dating a lot of her friends gave her a really hard time about how much younger I am but they got over it once they got to know me. Age has never been a problem between the two of us though, in fact when we met I thought she was much younger than she is and she thought I was much older. Anyway almost five years later we're still tight as ever. I've always dated people a bit older than me but this is the biggest age gap either of us has had with a partner and our longest relationship so we must be doing something right. When it works it just works, ya know?

[CherylNYC]

I always sought out older women when I was dating in my 20s. I preferred women who were 10-20 years older. Those relationships worked well enough until they didn't. Now that I'm in my 50s I wouldn't dream of dating anyone that much younger than I am. I'm still attracted to older women, but now they're 5- 10 years older. Or they're at least my age.

I was recently approached by a 23 year old at the dyke bar. I was incredulous as she flirted hard with me. I finally said, "You know I'm old enough to be your grandma, right?". She was undeterred, but nothing about that situation was ever going to work for me. I wouldn't judge another for doing it, (I think), but just the thought of dating a young woman in her 20s makes me feel ridiculous. I can't even articulate why.

[Gemme]

I tend to gravitate towards older partners and, for me, that has worked better than partnering with younger folks. I've been in a couple of serious relationships with younger folks with a 6-7 year age gap and neither has worked for me for a variety of reasons but I think people that are older than me are thinking about longevity and companionship and what it takes to function through the day to day minutiae of life and that's very appealing to me.

[Kätzchen]

I think sometimes that age differences might play an role in the longevity of any type of relationship. The best relationships I've ever enjoyed? I've noticed we were close in age (within a couple of years age difference).

I've also had partners who were ten or more years older than me. As far as dating or marital types of an relationship, I actually think the closer we are in age works best for me.

[TL1]

I’ve always been attracted to older. A good ten years or more. I wouldn’t not date someone my age and I have... just going from past experiences and what has worked best.

[kittygrrl]

i think being in the same age range works better for the vast majority of people..in my own experience, it's just nice to have in common, the same history or point in time with someone who was also there..history, common interests, lifestyles all play a part...i don't need to relive my youth, burn the candle at both ends nor do i need the cosmic energy from drama to fill the gaps..there are much better things to love

[Gayandgray]

My butch spouse is 75 and I’ll be 49 in a couple months. Big age difference (26yrs) but it’s always worked for us all these years. Actually it comes in handy now because if I was her age I might not be able to lift her wheelchair in and out of the car, get her in and out of the shower, etc. Plus I have always been attracted to older women and wouldn’t want someone my own age.