As the lovely singer Aaliyah once said, “Age ain’t nothing but a number.” But how much of this is truly believable while in a relationship with someone who is significantly older or younger than you? It is difficult to answer this question because love is subjective to the individuals who are in a relationship with a serious age gap. Can a difference in age truly determine whether or not a couple will last? Again this is difficult to answer, but before you undertake a relationship with someone who is older or younger then you, there are some things you should consider.
You have to know where both of you are in your perspective lives. If you are still trying to figure out what major to declare in college while your partner is a CEO at a multi-million dollar company, be aware that you may be at different points of your lives. Be aware that it may be difficult to be together if you both are not on the same level.
When you are not on the same level, your goals may be different. You may want to party and have fun while your older partner may be ready to settle down and have children. This can cause tension in a relationship regardless of an age gap. However, the age gap can make you have the “children talk” before you are ready.
You may not be as financially stable to have kids. Therefore, talking about finances is important in any relationship. When you are with somebody who is significantly older than you, they may be financially secure while you are not. If this is the case, you risk the temptation of giving up your goals for a life of comfort.
Be careful when you embark in a relationship with a significant age gap. However, rest assured that it can work, but only if you speak up and put effort into it. Being with someone who is older than you can put you at greater risk of losing sense of self in a relationship because you may be at different levels. As long as you let your goals—in terms of career, kids, and social life, be known and understood beforehand, you can have a successful relationship.
