Can an Age Gap Marriage Work?

In many couples, the spouses are similar in age. They may be the exact same age or just a few years apart.

While this is typically the norm, there are some exceptions. Some spouses have large age gaps (10 years or more). These are often called May-December romances. Sometimes they last a long time, but in many cases, they end up being short-lived.

Many young women prefer older men, while many older men prefer younger women. The opposite is true as well, and sometimes there are large age gaps involved. Someone in their 20s may end up with someone in their 40s. A man in his 60s may date a 40-year-old.

While age gap relationships are becoming more normal, there is still a stigma attached to them. These relationships come with a lot of negativity. Many people have their opinions, believing the relationship won’t last. Plus, many people think of these relationships as an imbalance of power. The younger one must be with the older one because he or she has money. The older one is using the younger one for sex. The older person is a creep, while the younger one is a gold digger.

Those are the common generalizations, but they are not always true. Many people in age gap relationships are very happy. They get along well together.

Still, these couples need to work hard on their marriages, as there are often many challenges involved. One of them is the fact that the spouses are at different life stages. This is especially a challenge when the woman is young and wants children. It is very common for the older man to not want any more children. Or one spouse may be near retirement, with the other still in their 30s or 40s. What happens next?

There may also be power dynamics involved, as the older spouse is generally more wealthy. The wealthier spouse may have more control over money, which can make the other spouse vulnerable and feeling as though they can’t keep up.

Those in age gap relationships need to be open and honest with each other. They need to have ongoing conversations about their priorities and expectations. Spouses should not lose sight of their individual paths. Focus on your own timeline instead of your spouse’s.

It’s important to keep in mind that age gap marriages are not always happy or healthy. Many studies have shown that age gap relationships decrease in satisfaction with age. This is especially true when there are financial issues involved. Health problems can also be an issue. The older partner is likely to face health-related challenges before the younger partner, which can be a stressful situation.

Seek Legal Help

People are often judged for huge age gaps in relationships. Sometimes they work; in many cases, they do not.

No matter who you marry, marriage takes a lot of work and effort. If you and your spouse cannot make it work, it’s time to talk to Fort Lauderdale divorce lawyer Edward J. Jennings, P.A. Discuss your divorce case with us and we’ll help you make the right decisions so you get the best outcome possible. Call 954-764-4330 or fill out the online form to schedule a consultation.

Source:

verywellmind.com/do-age-gap-relationships-work-5224674