what do you consider to be an acceptable age gap?

[ladysybil]

If you meet a couple, or hear about them. when do you decide its just too weird? most people i know have a couople of years between them, max. the girl is usually younger than the guy. but what is just unacceptable in your opinion. ten years? fifteen? her older?

Molemesses - for similar reasons I could never shack up with a man of my age; even now, in my mid 30s, they still seem so immature. I think 10-15 years older is my ideal.

Sean - clearly the judgy people you write about have nothing worthwhile to occupy their lives if they are so eager to gas about your sister's relationship. Bless.

Why not Choux? 70 + 42... not too bad?

My DP is 10 years older than me. It's fine; never thought about it as a problem. I suppose only concern I have in my darker moments is that he might probably die before me, which makes me incredibly sad. I would prefer, to be honest, if he were my age, but that's life.

DH is 20 years older than me. Luckily I'm so knackered from having children I've slowed down enough for him to keep up.

My dp is four years younger (late thirties). Age matters much less than compatibility. And My dads girlfriend was two yrs older than me (25 yr age gap). Very compatible but sadly he died young ish (late
fifties)

I think the half your age plus 7 idea is what a certain type of man would see as perfect. Some would like to think of themselves with a forty something in their seventies no?

Dh would be with a 30 year old which seems about right for what he'd go for if he wanted to dump me

It's not supposed to be a target though, just a maximum age gap.

My dh is 21.5 years older than me. We met when I was 18 and he was 39 (now I'm 31 and he's 52) and have been together for 13 years now and married for 9 and have 3 kids together.

It's never been an issue for us at all. I act more mature for my age and he's like a big kid lol!!

My ex was 20yrs older than me, and I would never ever date someone that much older than me again.

My limit is 10yrs either way.

The rule of thumb is that half your age plus seven is the youngest you can go out with.

Sean bonbon. 5 SILs who all married their first boyfriends and all live within 2 miles?

Sounds like my worst nightmare. You must move away. Immediately. At least 200 miles.

Himself is 10 years older than me.

I think it's not really about age. It's about maturity. You have to be at the same level mentally, and if that means the man one of you is much older, then fair enough.

Because a relationship can't survive if it's one adult and one child.

Also needs to be equal. A relationship where one partner has chosen a much much younger partner because they are innocent, naive and can be manipulated and controlled, is no relationship at all.

It all comes down to being equals, I think.

"The rule of thumb is that half your age plus seven is the youngest you can go out with."

so if you are a woman aged 80, a 47 yr old man might fancy you?

I keep reading this and it's bollocks.
That would mean that I could date a guy 20 years my junior. In my dreams......

Nope.

General opinion is usually a generation ( classed as 15 years-ish) is about the limit.

DH is 13 years older than me. It is rarely if ever an issue, and we have been together for 1- years. I try not to judge others on this issue, to be honest.

My only concerns are if the younger person is very young - under 20, say? I think there is something a bit odd about a person in their 30/40s or older dating a teenager, I have to say.

10 years that should have said

If you're rich enough, he might...

When i was 20 my now ex was 50- didnt work out so great in the end!
Im now 25 n my DP is 40- works much better!

I have a friend who is 45 and has a partner who is 23. They are very happy. For now, I suspect but it suits them both

NewYear - same here - 13yr age gap and together 10yrs and 2 DD's. Rarely think of it tbh

Should say that she is 45 and he is 23. She has children from a previous relationship so, for her, that bit isn't an issue