xperts often try to identify the ideal age gap between partners in relationships—some say couples with a one-year gap have a better chance of success, while others argue that a gap bigger than 10 years increases chances of divorce. Ruschelle Khanna, a licensed clinical social worker, and psychotherapist told MyDomaine that research shows that a one- to five-year age gap between partners is ideal. But, as we are told time and time again, love is blind. And while a May-December relationship may raise eyebrows, specialists believe that, while not always ideal, they can absolutely work.
“There are certain obvious criteria—raising children, growing older together, how different career and life transitions align—that can pose challenges,” explains Matt Lundquist, LCSW, MSEd, of TriBeCa Therapy. “People can make all sorts of relationships work. There’s a good deal of talk about having a lot in common as an asset in relationships, but differences can be just as sustaining with the right attitude and effort.” So what are the challenges facing relationships with large age gaps, and what can couples facing these challenges do to reinforce their bond?
The two experts give us the lowdown on May-December relationships.
Can Relationships With Large Age Gaps Work?
Experts believe that May-December relationships can actually work. “In some ways, relationships, where there are obvious differences, can benefit from the fact that they require thoughtfulness and attention early on,” explains Lundquist. “Couples with these differences must learn how to navigate things earlier in the game than others.”
Despite age-gap challenges, Khanna also believes in the power of May-December relationships. “Age is one of the least likely factors to happiness in a relationship,” she says. “Relationships are made happy when they are based on trust, commitment, and an understanding and respect of the other person’s experiences. There is evidence that relationships with age gaps present are actually happier than the average.”
What Challenges Do May-December Relationships Face?
While experts agree that relationships with large age gaps can work, that doesn’t mean they aren’t without challenges. “Perception of friends, family, and strangers is by far the biggest challenge,” says Lundquist. Khanna also believes that May-December relationships can face challenges of social disapproval, which can put a strain on the relationship. “Blending families can be a challenge for couples with large age gaps,” she notes. “Navigating the integration of siblings of vastly different ages can present many problems for which families may need to seek help.”
Outside of the disapproval of others, experts also agree that the couple may face challenges related to life changes, such as career paths and chronic illness due to aging. These are all factors to be aware of when entering relationships with large age gaps.
What Can People Do to Strengthen Their Relationship?
“There are multiple things couples can do to strengthen the bond in their relationships, starting with being curious about one another. “Proactively seek out common interests,” says Khanna. “Work on building memories and experiences together that support a relationship from growing apart.” Lundquist agrees: “Learn to have discussions about all the things that need to be sorted,” he says. “It’s incredibly important. Ignoring awkward stares and critical comments is also a big one.”
Social pressure can take its toll on a May-December relationship so overcoming that challenge should be at the forefront of priorities. Khanna recommends you “find support to overcome social pressures as well as to improve the integration of your families.”
Related Articles: Why Expectations Can Often Lead to Disillusionment
I dont know if I belive age is a difficulty in a relationship, but I loved the read, so thank you for sharing!
And Happy New year!
Same here Ann, the truth is Age is never a barrier in any relation, lack of understanding is. people always look for where to allocate blames, and age age happens to be a victim nothing more, even relation of same age group still breakdown what is then the reason, simple, “UNDERSTANDING”
I think age is just a number and for me it matters more where you’re both at emotionally and intellectually. I’ve dating men of many different ages and age has never really mattered much. Thanks so much for sharing this with us!
i am very happy you feel same way, happiness is all that matters, understanding is the key.
My husband is 10 years older than me and I couldn`t be more grateful beause he is caring, loving. When I was younger all my relationships were with same age or a bit younger and always resulted bad. Somehow those guys weren`t serious enough. Idk I would choose the same again tbh.
My dear care and love is all that matters am glad you are happy, its very possible to be happy regardless age gap. just find the missing peg. understanding is the key.
Age is genuinely just a number – thank you for the refreshing persepective on what really matters in a healthy relationship!
i greatly appreciate your stopping by, am glad we are all on same page is all that matters
When its all about love. Age doesn’t matter at all if you love each other unconditionally.
i totally agree with you.
My boyfriend and I have a 10-11 year gap between us. I am older than him. We have been together for almost two years. I think age is nothing, but a number. As long as the people in the relationship are of legal age.
Sarah you said it all, age is a number, what matters is understanding. once the legal side is met.
My cousin is in this situation but as of the moment they are doing really well. Not sure of the future but they are happy right now.
if they are now they then, they have what it takes hence the one you see now.
I think it totally depends on the two individuals, so difficult to make a judgment call on the age gap. There does seem to be more men with younger women rather than the other way around. I’ve always wondered why.
yes u are right Owen, Personality matters here.
I think that they can work. It could even be potentially uplifting where you both can assist each other with different things the other person may not know about or be aware of. I feel like as long as you communicate, trust each other, and enjoy each other’s company… A relationship can work.
i totally agree with Jasmine.
Great post it was a great read, I don’t really believe in age gap. my boyfriend and I are 8 years apart and we are perfectly happy we have are porblems but they are never to hard.
i appreciate you. knowing am not the only one who thinks in this direction makes me happy.
I have several friends whos age difference ranges from 12 years to 20 years. And it’s never an issue and they get along great. Like the article states, it has nothing to do with age. More about trust, commitment and understanding.
i smile when this views are coming up, i cant agree more with u.
I think that with any relationship, we all need communication and respect to make things work. Regardless of age or anything, this is what would make things work.
communication is key, even once of same age fail when they lack understanding.
I agree age doesn’t matter in love. I always love the thought that my husband is older than I am.
i am glad we are on same page.
One of my kids is dating someone my age. She looks a lot younger than me, but still… I hope it works for them, or that they split before anyone gets too hurt. They are both amazing, but it really is a big age gap.
that is a full proof that it works regardless of public opinion.
I have seen many age gap relationships work…and some do not. I think it depends on the individuals and their lifestyle with one another.
i can’t agree more, understanding is the key.
I think any relationship can work as long as you take time for each other to talk and do things together 🙂
You are right, understanding is all it needs.
I dont know whether I belive age is a trouble in a relationship, however I cherished the read, so thank you for sharing!
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