It is entirely your choice whether you decide to date someone considerably older or younger than yourself.
To some age isn't a significant factor in dating, while others have a strong opinion and will only date people the same age or within a few years of their age.
It is a personal choice.
There are no rules to say you shouldn't date someone much older or younger than yourself, but be prepared for possible judgment from others if there is a considerable age gap.
Often age isn't the first thing you look for in a partner.
There is usually an instant attraction before age is mentioned.
Most people make an assumption regarding the age bracket someone may be in, often without realizing.
If you find yourself attracted to someone who is much older or younger than you, then this shows that you like them for whom they are, and in this case age is irrelevant.
It is normal for two people with an age gap of at least ten years to be compatible as everyone's maturity level is different.
Just because you date someone the same age as you, it doesn't mean they will have the same maturity level as you.
This is the reason many people are attracted to older or younger partners.
It is very common to have an age gap of up to five years between two people; any higher than ten years is considered a large age gap.
When there is a large age gap, this is when a relationship can face difficulties.
With an age gap there is always going to be lifestyle differences.
A younger person may enjoy nights out with their younger friends and have no interest in starting a serious relationship, whereas, their older partner might be at an age where they want to settle down and spend quiet time alone with them.
There comes an age when people want to settle down and this can cause problems.
There can also be issues about socializing, moving in together, marriage, starting a family and even previous families.
If one person in the relationship is at a stage in their life where they want to settle down but the other isn't, then it can have a major impact on the relationship, possibly resulting in it failing.
Despite these potential problem areas, many relationships with an age gap are highly successful.
The key is honesty and communication.
Being open and truthful from the start about what you are looking for in a relationship, and even life, is the best way to ensure you are able to achieve this.
If both partners are in agreement, then there is no issue.
However, if one person involved lies about what they want from the relationship then this can cause big problems further down the line.
If you want a serious relationship, but the person you are dating only wants a casual one, then you need to think long and hard about whether they are worth sacrificing your dreams for.
Like with any relationship, if you are happy, have a strong bond and are committed to making it work, then together you can cope with any complication life throws in your direction.
To some age isn't a significant factor in dating, while others have a strong opinion and will only date people the same age or within a few years of their age.
It is a personal choice.
There are no rules to say you shouldn't date someone much older or younger than yourself, but be prepared for possible judgment from others if there is a considerable age gap.
Often age isn't the first thing you look for in a partner.
There is usually an instant attraction before age is mentioned.
Most people make an assumption regarding the age bracket someone may be in, often without realizing.
If you find yourself attracted to someone who is much older or younger than you, then this shows that you like them for whom they are, and in this case age is irrelevant.
It is normal for two people with an age gap of at least ten years to be compatible as everyone's maturity level is different.
Just because you date someone the same age as you, it doesn't mean they will have the same maturity level as you.
This is the reason many people are attracted to older or younger partners.
It is very common to have an age gap of up to five years between two people; any higher than ten years is considered a large age gap.
When there is a large age gap, this is when a relationship can face difficulties.
With an age gap there is always going to be lifestyle differences.
A younger person may enjoy nights out with their younger friends and have no interest in starting a serious relationship, whereas, their older partner might be at an age where they want to settle down and spend quiet time alone with them.
There comes an age when people want to settle down and this can cause problems.
There can also be issues about socializing, moving in together, marriage, starting a family and even previous families.
If one person in the relationship is at a stage in their life where they want to settle down but the other isn't, then it can have a major impact on the relationship, possibly resulting in it failing.
Despite these potential problem areas, many relationships with an age gap are highly successful.
The key is honesty and communication.
Being open and truthful from the start about what you are looking for in a relationship, and even life, is the best way to ensure you are able to achieve this.
If both partners are in agreement, then there is no issue.
However, if one person involved lies about what they want from the relationship then this can cause big problems further down the line.
If you want a serious relationship, but the person you are dating only wants a casual one, then you need to think long and hard about whether they are worth sacrificing your dreams for.
Like with any relationship, if you are happy, have a strong bond and are committed to making it work, then together you can cope with any complication life throws in your direction.