In truth, it does matter but it matters less and less as you get older. Should you let age be a factor during dating?

Dear Dan and Jennifer,

 

Does age difference really affect relationships? My partner and I have been together for about 2 1/2 years. My parents are determined it won’t work because of our ages. We’re 4 years apart but I’m under 18 and he is 19. We have been through so much and we both still believe we can make this work and we’re planning to get married as soon as possible. So is this a waste of time for us or is it possible?

 

–Corie, Virginia 

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How Young Is Too Young?

First, let’s take a look at how young "too young" might be. For example, if you have a 15 year old person and an 18 or even 19 year old person, you’re asking for trouble. Although the four year age difference isn’t much when you look at a couple that is 50 and 54 years old, a four year age gap when you’re that young really seems like a bigger age gap than it really is.

Sexually speaking, if these partners are sexually active, you bring in a whole new element to the equation. Statutory rape charges can be filed at that point and one or both partners can end up in more trouble than they’d like to be in. Even a two year age gap at that stage can make a big difference, for example, if one partner is 17 and the other is 19.

Once both partners become "of age" or turn 18, age differences begin to matter less and less as you age. While an age difference between an 18 year old and a 26 year old might seem like a big deal, the age difference between a 41 year old and a 49 year old doesn’t seem bad at all.

When you’re young, be aware of statutory rape laws and other laws and make sure your relationships abide by them. Keep in mind that even once you turn 18, a huge age gap still makes a difference until you get a little older.

Slowing Down

…

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One of the key findings? – A high percentage (44%) in all generations, including 50% of adults in their 20s – don’t believe that they need to be married to validate the commitment of a long-term relationship.

Just in time for election season, the survey also found that those in their 20s are significantly more likely to date someone with opposing political beliefs – more than 60% in the age group willing to do so, versus 48% of those in other age groups.

Other interesting survey findings of note:

• Trust is important to younger Americans – who are more likely to want the truth from their partner, even if it hurts – more than 85% of respondents in their 20s said they always want the truth, compared to 79% of those in their 50s and 60s. 
• However, half of adults younger than age 40 would snoop through their partner’s things to find out if he or she is hiding something, compared to just 25% of those in their 60s.
• Love is blind – particularly when you’re younger. Those in their 20s are less likely to be concerned with differences in income, with 88% saying they would date someone who makes significantly less money. Adults in their 20s are less likely to be concerned about differences between themselves and their partners, with respondents in the age group more likely than others to date someone who comes from a different racial (86%) or religious (73%) background than those in older generations.
• When asked it they would cheat on a partner if they knew he or she would never find out, just 9% of Americans said they would be unfaithful, with those age 30 to 39 most likely to say they would stray (11%), compared to those age 20 to 30 who would be least likely to do so (7%).

Click here to see the full press release

http://www.businesswire.com/

and here to get the full survey details from AOL

http://personals.aol.com/love-is/ 

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