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Relationships

Mumsnet has not checked the qualifications of anyone posting here. If you need help urgently or expert advice, please see our domestic violence webguide and/or relationships webguide. Many Mumsnetters experiencing domestic abuse have found this thread helpful: Listen up, everybody

Age Gap Question

37 replies

PuffinsPenguinsPussys · 20/02/2024 19:06

Just curious, what's the age difference between you and your partner? Also, do you think it's a bad idea for a 30-year-old woman looking to settle down to date a 26-year-old man?

OP posts:
RogueFemale · 20/02/2024 19:09

Currently single but my last partner was 10 years younger, and it didn't work ultimately because of the age gap. If you're 30 wanting to settle down then a 26 yo man is unlikely to have the same ideas as you - not every man that age but the majority won't be ready.

KeysUnlocked · 20/02/2024 19:09

I generally went out with older guys throughout my 20's & 30's (my 3 x DC dad was 19 yrs older than me), and though I didn't see this as bc an issue going back, I'd never date somebody this much older again (not just my DC dad, I've dated quite a few more snr to me). Saying that, 4 yrs is nothing!! Enjoy! GrinSmile

Chasingsquirrels · 20/02/2024 19:09

Current DP - 6.5 years.
Late DH - 14 years.
1st H - 3 weeks.

PuffinsPenguinsPussys · 20/02/2024 19:13

He claims to want a serious relationship, but I have doubts that he may just be saying that to get physical. Despite not appearing that way at all - he's polite, intelligent, not pushy in the slightest, I've learned to be skeptical of what men say during the early stages of dating, as it may all simply be a ploy to become intimate which I've experienced in the past.

OP posts:
Chanel05 · 20/02/2024 19:14

8 months, I'm older.

PuffinsPenguinsPussys · 20/02/2024 19:14

I think if I were the 26yo and he 30 I'd leap at the chance but because its the other way around I'm much more cautious

OP posts:
HashBrownandBeans · 20/02/2024 19:17

Ex H was 12 years older
DH is 7 years younger

SamW98 · 20/02/2024 19:19

I’ve only ever dated within a few years of my own age. Oldest was 4 years older, youngest 18 months younger. Ex DH was 2 months older than me

Linti · 20/02/2024 19:25

How are you evening thinking anything of it. Honestly, think of it the other way round. Jesus king Charliee got with di when she was 16. He was pushing 30. If you feel happy in Ur relationship then stick it. X

wlv12 · 20/02/2024 19:27

20 years for us. We’re well matched and never really notice the gap until I see posts like this. Been together 25 years.

Sceptical123 · 20/02/2024 20:02

PuffinsPenguinsPussys · 20/02/2024 19:13

He claims to want a serious relationship, but I have doubts that he may just be saying that to get physical. Despite not appearing that way at all - he's polite, intelligent, not pushy in the slightest, I've learned to be skeptical of what men say during the early stages of dating, as it may all simply be a ploy to become intimate which I've experienced in the past.

4 years is not that big a deal at his age. It’s such a shame that women feel a few years is a massive issue when men happily pair up with women over 10 years younger than them

Secondstart1001 · 20/02/2024 20:06

There are 4 years between my partner and I. He is 42 and 46. We already both have kids and don’t want any more as we would rather concentrate on each other and our kids and making a family together this way. As we are a bit older it’s not really an issue apart from other women calling me a cougar ( which I’m not) as he came after me. Been together almost 4 years and very happy! Everyone else can F off as it’s not an issue and we look about the same age - only becomes an issue to some when they ask our ages!

PaintedEgg · 20/02/2024 20:13

personal bias, but I don't know many 26yo men who either want to or are in a position to settle down. They may think they're ready, but then life bites them

Olika · 20/02/2024 20:17

I suppose you could give him a chance and observe his actions and behaviour to then decide if he really shows you he is ready for a serious relationship.

CrunchyCarrot · 20/02/2024 20:19

12 years between us, I am the older one. Met with him aged 28, me 40. We've been happily together for 28 yrs.

I do think it very much depends on the maturity of the man, is he ready to settle down etc.

chattyness · 20/02/2024 20:22

10 years for us, DH is older .We've been together nearly 28 years ,the gap has never been an issue for us, we're just on the same wavelength & it doesn't matter, we didn't meet until I was 30 & he 40,we were both just ready to settle down & lucky to find each other at the right moment I think.

RadioGaGaRadioGooGoo · 20/02/2024 20:29

9 years between me and DH. Been together 14 years.

GlamorousHeifer · 20/02/2024 20:32

16 years between me and my husband, together 20 years.

Saymyname28 · 20/02/2024 20:33

My ex was 22 years older. He was controlling and in the end abusive.

My partner is less than a year older than me, he's amazing.

TotemPolly · 20/02/2024 20:35

2 months and 1 week.

TaraTheTartTaster · 20/02/2024 20:35

Are you a parent or planning to become one? A 4-year age difference between two adults is reasonable, but I wonder because you say you want to 'settle down' if you are feeling pressure to start a family.

One major problem with dating apps is lots of people (men) treat them like hookup apps and whereas many will be upfront some will pretend they're looking for more then dump you as soon as they get between your legs, so you're right to be cautious.

My advice is if he's kind, friendly and your gut says yes I would keep dating him, get to know him more, maybe introduce him to your mum but DON'T have sex with him and see how long he sticks around without getting into your knickers.

Also don't revolve too many dates around alcohol. Re you being the older one it does seem to be the case that it's less common for men to be with older women because generally they're looking for youth and fertility whereas women are looking for protection and stability but, there's wriggle room!

NewYearResolutions · 20/02/2024 20:40

4 years between DH and me. I think give your guy a chance. The age gap isn’t big if you are 36 and 40. But not many 26 year olds, both male or female, want to settle down. However he might be a rare one.

iutiut · 20/02/2024 20:48

Four year age difference isnt really an issue for the right person. I met my DH when I was 29 and he was 25. I had never dated any guys youngger than me before him. Honestly I never felt the age gap between me and DH because he was quite mature and I was the childish one. We have been happily married for 12 years with 2 kids.

SweetBirdsong · 20/02/2024 20:50

PuffinsPenguinsPussys · 20/02/2024 19:06

Just curious, what's the age difference between you and your partner? Also, do you think it's a bad idea for a 30-year-old woman looking to settle down to date a 26-year-old man?

3 years age gap between me and DH @PuffinsPenguinsPussys 24 and 27 when we met. 4 years is nothing!

PuffinsPenguinsPussys · 20/02/2024 20:56

Thanks everyone ❤

I had a terrible relationship in my 20s and decided to focus on myself established my own business and have a stable income, which was a priority for me but now I feel a bit rushed for time!

The concerns that women have don't typically weigh on men in the same way do they. Men often have the luxury of time and they can be more risky biscuits.

I'm going to go with my instinct. He's mature, has never said anything sexual or vulgar, has a steady job, is handsome, respectful. I'm going to carry on and hope something blooms but I will hold off on celebrating prematurely! 🤞

OP posts: