Is It True That Too Much Age Difference With A Partner Can Affect Romantic Relationships? According To The Expert, Here's

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JAKARTA - Age is just a number so you may never really care about the age difference when it comes to romantic relationships. However, is it true that the age difference that is too far will not affect your relationship with your partner or will it become a big problem in the future?

As it turns out, according to psychologist Seth Meyers, Ph.D., age isn't just a number because relationship age gaps greater than 10 years often come with their own set of problems. "While there are always exceptions, a good rule to remember is that dating someone over 10 years will present challenges now or later that add to pre-existing challenges in any relationship," she says.

Even though at first you and your partner feel compatible and comfortable in a relationship, with the big age difference there will be a point where you or he feels your life is very different. For example, if you are in your 20s, you may not think much about marriage or children, while a couple in their 30s and almost 40 years may very well want to start a family.

“Couples with a big age difference need to figure things out or risk going through conflicting stages in the relationship. You will experience differing references, disapproval from family and friends, and possibly a negative view of society. In fact, it can be difficult to relate to each other's peers," explains Rachel Sussman, marriage and family therapist.

Even so, there is one advantage that is felt if you have been in a relationship with people with a large age difference, namely the mind becomes more open when choosing a potential partner. Rachel says think of 10 years as a general rule of thumb, but stay open to other ages, don't limit yourself to just dating someone older. It's natural for men to date older women, while women experiment with younger men.

Seth agrees with this opinion. According to him, “Unhealthy individuals have a type that is too specific and narrow, such as 'I want someone between the ages of 30-35 who loves the outdoors, is very close to his parents and siblings' or vice versa, is too broad and unclear, such as 'I just want someone nice'."

So, the age gap in the relationship will indeed cause problems at one time, but if you and your partner can overcome it, then continue the relationship because he might just be the best for you.