There are many limitations that we set when it comes to dating. Intelligence, height, weight, and wealth to name a few. Perhaps one of the more talked about talked about reservations among the dating scene is age. We see age gaps made fun of in many different ways, from “sugar daddies” to “babysitters.”

Often in media, age gaps are only shown as teacher-student relationships, or older, wealthy men with young, naive girlfriends. In ancient times, women were married off to men sometimes three times their age. This practice faded out over time and today the large age gaps of the past rarely occur. However, when there is an age gap of more than five years between partners, society always has something to say. Most commonly, that the relationship is solely about money, rather than companionship and love. I have experienced a relationship with an age gap before, and I did not find lack of love to be the case. Just as it is in every type of relationship, mutual respect is important (perhaps even moreso when your partner is older or younger than you by several years).

Many like to argue that once the difference in ages goes past five years, the elder will become too mature for the younger. I think, especially when choosing to be in a relationship with someone outside of your age group, you should make maturity one of the deciding factors. Scientifically, males are prone to choosing younger females as partners because of a higher chance of reproduction. In modern times, this is hardly the case, as more and more married couples are choosing not to have children.

Personally, I believe if both members of the relationship are mature and mutually respectful, there is no reason why age should be an issue. Yes, people will stare and judge, but maintaining a healthy and caring relationship should be the only thing you are worried about.