Should age difference matter in an online relationship?

1. 60

   kd4rvbposted 13 years ago

   Should age difference matter in an online relationship?
   
   Keeping in mind that of both parties the youngest is at least the age of 18 is it alright to have an online relationship if the ages differ a great deal?
   
   ie.. he is 45 she is 22 or she is 55 and he is 28..
   
   These are simply examples of large age differences to help understand the scope and parameters of the question.

   replyreport
2. 0

   thirdmillenniumposted 13 years ago

   When even  face-to-face relation does not have anything to do with age, the question itself is wrong.  Only, don't try brow-beat the other.

   replyreport
3. 61

   nightwork4posted 13 years ago

   if both parties are adults, then realistically age doesn't matter. the problem though is that if a girl is 18 and the guy is 50, most people see him as a perv and her as either a gold digger or naive.

   replyreport
4. 77

   stricktlydatingposted 13 years ago

   It's personal choice.  Most online dating profiles allow you to specify the age range you are seeking when it comes to finding a partner.  So you'll find an age range in most profiles.  I think it's handy as some people will have a preference for certain age ranges, for whatever reason.  For me personally, I wouldn't want to date someone who's around the same as as my father!

   replyreport
5. 84

   wychicposted 13 years ago

   It all depends on the individuals involved and their respective maturity. When I was 22 I started an online relationship with a 49-year-old man -- he ended up moving here, we got married, and now have a beautiful baby girl to boot (and yes, he's older than my parents). It worked out great for us is all I can say .
   
   http://wychic.hubpages.com/hub/Why-Do-O … ive-Longer

   replyreport
6. 61

   point2makeposted 13 years ago

   I don't think that the age difference is that important as much as the generational difference that would be present in say 55 to 28. I think is might prove to be a very difficult hurtle to get over for some. It is certainly true that many people have found each other and the age difference was not an issue. It is also one of the factors that make these relationships uncommon and even special. In the end I don't think age should matter but it may provide some interesting obstacles in the path.

   replyreport
7. 0

   Giselle Maineposted 13 years ago

   I've been thinking about your question a lot over the past few days.  Here is my answer: I think that an age difference *may* matter, but it all depends on the 2 individuals.  Regarding the *online* relationship, I don't think it makes a difference if the relationship is online or not... more that it comes down to *maturity* levels of the two.  I agree with nightwork that if they are both adults it is OK... but on the other hand, I strongly believe it's important that both parties of a relationship are on similar intellectual maturity and emotional maturity levels.  This doesn't necessarily mean they have to be similar in chronological age, just that they should be able to discuss things at similar levels.
   
   Speaking for myself and looking back to when I was in my early 20's, I *know* I wouldn't have been mature enough to have a relationship with an older person.  Even if in a situation if I *thought* I was mature enough, hindsight tells me I wouldn't have been.  Then again, I wasn't very emotionally mature anyway.  From the other side of the fence, Wychic's answer proves it can work out. 
   
   So to conclude, I think in some cases it will be OK, in others not.  It's hard to judge an individual situation.  My feeling is that if both can discuss things at the same intellectual and emtional level that they are normally at (no-one is 'reaching up' or 'stooping down' to the other's level), then it is OK.  If people are being something they're not normally, then it's a sign the age gap is a problem.

   replyreport
8. 72

   ImYoungAtHeartposted 13 years ago

   Tough question...and it's taken me awhile to answer it, because it has hit close to home. Yes first off both must be adults and although at 18 you are considered an adult. you do not have the wisdom or experiences to build on, that a 30 year old should by then. So I cannot answer for younger adults in such a relationship, but I so hope that their inexperience in life and relationships are not being taken advantage of by someone. But from personal experience, my relationship with a mature 30 year old that was 15+ years younger than i worked wonderfully for over a year until outside influences interfered, namely his mother. So should it matter no, did it matter between us no. Did it create differences between our tastes in music yes but those were respected and actually shared. Did this difference matter to siblings or cousins or friends that saw us both so happy no. But there will be some that are not open to it that do not see the happiness of the couple only the numbers between them. If the relationship can withstand the pull of those people or are lucky enough to not have those people so close in their life, I think it can last. It all depends on the level of maturity of the couple not actual age and the influences of other family and friends close to them.

   replyreport
9. 61

   OutsideTheLinesposted 12 years ago

   Meh. People can love who they want to love as long as its legal.

   replyreport