Home→Forums→Relationships→Realistic age gap?
- This topic has 41 replies, 8 voices, and was last updated 10 years, 8 months ago by
Kelly.
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August 4, 2014 at 8:30 am #62582
Matt
ParticipantDifferences add spice, IMHO. As an older person dances with a younger, the differences in perspective keep things interesting. I think Inky hit the main drawbacks, but as far as getting along, its always dependent on the people. Is the gap in life experiences delightful or troubling? Does it keep both partners entertained, intrigued, on their toes? Does it keep both partners stepping on each other’s toes?
With warmth,
MattAugust 4, 2014 at 9:55 am #62588Jennifer
ParticipantMy husband is 13 years older than me (I was in my 40’s and he in his 50’s when we met). What made a huge difference is that he’s been taking care of his health since his 20’s, so is medically much younger than his physical age, and his general attitude gives him a youthful vibe. People who see us together assume we’re both in our 40’s.
When we met, we were both in the same place in our lives and career tracks. I think that’s actually more important than chronological age. After all, how many couples have problems because even though they’re the same age, one is ready to settle down and have kids, and the other wants to still enjoy the unfettered life?
August 4, 2014 at 10:03 am #62589Big blue
Participant… A quick read and thank you!
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This reply was modified 10 years, 8 months ago by
Big blue.
August 4, 2014 at 2:13 pm #62618Paul
ParticipantThe age gap is irrelevant really. I am 45, and my girlfriend is 29. Our emotional, physical and spiritual connection is sublime. I’ve dated women closer to my age, and have never felt the emotions or deep connection I feel with my current girlfriend.
I keep myself in shape, so I am a young 45 year old. Never been happier…
August 4, 2014 at 4:29 pm #62623Inky
ParticipantOh, I just remembered a formula too!
The youngest person you can date should be closer to your age than your kid’s age, and the oldest person you can date has to be closer to your age than your parent’s age.
Sounds psychologically reasonable!
August 4, 2014 at 7:13 pm #62629Big blue
ParticipantThis is a lively discussion, and formulae or not, of course they are all right answers.
The formulae make me think of a woman I met this weekend. We were both attracted, and when we spoke we both baffled the other with geek-speak about what we do. When the smoke cleared I think we were both oddly enamored. I’m looking forward to our next chat around town, but I think we would fail on all formulae, except maybe 1+1=2.
Big blue
August 4, 2014 at 11:51 pm #62656The Ruminant
ParticipantYou can be enamored without having to think about the practical side of things. Enjoy! Geeks unite! 🙂
The practical side of things only starts to matter down the line and can be countered with strong, soulful love. But even that love would take a while to develop, so why not enjoy life and not be too stressed about the age gap!
P.S. Inky’s formula would be disturbingly liberating for me 🙂
August 5, 2014 at 6:44 am #62676Kelly
ParticipantInky, that’s funny. My “rule” for my bachelor father is that he is not allowed to date anyone younger than me. Something just feels a bit “icky” about it. But I agree with the consensus here – as long as everyone is a consenting adult, have fun 🙂
August 5, 2014 at 7:13 am #62679Big blue
ParticipantHi Kelly,
Yeah anyone that young immediately conjures up “daughter age” and is summarily dismissed. Just me.
🙂
Big blue
August 9, 2014 at 8:41 pm #62957Big blue
ParticipantWhat about 9 months, do we like 9 months…?
August 9, 2014 at 11:51 pm #62961The Ruminant
ParticipantWhat have you tapped into? Inexhaustible source of women of all ages? 🙂
August 10, 2014 at 5:35 am #62971Big blue
ParticipantLol Rumi. 🙂
It’s been 16 months since I dated. The relationship before that was a roller coaster with at least one wheel missing under one corner. Before that a break after my divorce. I’ve been focused on myself and a love that did not work out – dysfunctional and not good for me but I was attached, sound familiar friends?
So..I’m in good shape lately. Last night was a first date. Someone I’ve known for a while. We had a great time and agreed to do it again! 🙂
I’m very grateful for you and the other ladies here on TB. To hear your stories and perspectives is very helpful. The guys, too. Thank you!Fade to DMB “Everyday” lol 🙂
August 10, 2014 at 2:46 pm #63002Big blue
ParticipantLol my ex-wife got a new phone and has butt dialed me twice this weekend. I kidded her that she can’t live without me. (Hearty laugh by all) 🙂
August 11, 2014 at 2:13 am #63052The Ruminant
ParticipantI wonder who my butt would dial if it had a choice.
I hope you don’t mind, Big blue, that I’m using your thread to ponder something out loud, but since you kind of started it, I’m going to continue from there 😛
I keep wondering now and again if I should just create an online dating profile. I’m just not sure, because I’m not on the prowl. It would just be fun to get to know new people. That’s just not usually enough for those who are on the prowl. I just want to bring new people into my life, regardless of their physical location. I half heartedly believe in the law of attraction (meaning, I do think it’s somewhat true, but do not obsess about it). I have all kinds of dreams and wishes, but I live in a rather small town and I work from home, so I am a bit isolated from all kinds of opportunities that life might throw my way. I’m just not sure if online *dating* site would be the best way to approach it. It’s the easiest for getting to know new people, but the idea behind it is dating and not…networking. And I think that it’s kind of networking that I want to do. Cast a net out there and see where it leads me. Create a beacon somewhere that would send out a signal saying “here I am”! 🙂
I just don’t know…
August 11, 2014 at 7:16 am #63077Kelly
ParticipantThe Ruminant, lately I have thought about creating a profile too. I actually did, earlier this year, in an emotional reaction to my breakup, but quickly took it down (for the reasons you allude to with your “on the prowl” comments). My experience over the years with online dating has been that people are generally very aggressive/motivated to date. For example, when I’d receive a message, if I took a few days to resond, I would often get a follow up message from the sender “If you’re not interested, let me know” or worse “What is it you don’t like about me?” when I simply hadn’t made time to respond yet. It made me feel pressured and that my pacing wasn’t compatible with the online dating world. There may be sites where a more relaxed approach works, but I haven’t had any success finding them.
For what it’s worth, I did end up meeting a woman on OKCupid years ago who became a dear friend for several years. On that particular site, one of the features is that when you’re looking at a person’s profile, they will show you “similar users” to the one you’re viewing (ie “If you like this guy, you’ll like these other guys”). Out of curiosity, I pulled up my own profile to see who the “similar users” were. I read the top profile and let me tell you, that woman sounded fantastic, lol. I sent her a note to say hi, she wrote back, and before too long, we made our first “date” (plutonic) together to see a concert. We really hit it off and stayed friends for a number of years. So, it’s definitely possible to find friends/network on dating sites, though you might have better luck with Meetup groups or something where there is no implied romantic aspects.
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