Tuesday, April 24, 2012

Age differences in relationships

Age differences in relationships


Intimate relationships between human beings with a significant age gap have always existed for different reasons. In the past it might have been to ensure an heir or to attain wealth or for some it might have been love. Nowadays the reasons are really not that different. The judgments however have significantly increased.

When is the age difference significant?

First of all this depends largely on the two people involved but generally it has to do with the different stages of life we are going through as we age. If, for example, a teenage girl, age 14, has a relationship with a student, age 20, they might be in significantly different developmental stages of their lives with an age difference of only 6 years. If however a 30 year-old woman has a relationship with a 36 year-old man it is more likely for them to be in somewhat similar life cycles.

Differences between women and men

As pointed out above, the different developmental stages largely influences whether a couple will bridge their age differences. Another aspect is that males get into their career drive in earlier years, whereas women, at least in the recent past, largely bloomed in their careers or went back to work after having children. This is responsible for the attraction in relationships of younger men with older women, for example a driven 28 year-old men who's attracted to the drive and busyness of a 42 year-old women in business attire.

Father and daughter?

Another interesting dynamic is the father-daughter relationship, where a man enters into a relationship with a significantly younger woman. For the man this often boosts their ego and helps them overcome a mid-life crisis or when they've recently been divorced. For the younger woman it can be a way to work through her father issues, for example if she had an emotionally or physically unavailable father when growing up. Other reasons might be to enjoy being treated and spoilt by a 'sugar daddy'.

Judgments

In today's society it is unconsciously expected to live in a relationship where both partners are at approximately similar age or in similar life cycles. There are advantages to similar-age relationships and yet love does not always follow these rational reasons. Judgments in the form of 'wasn't he able to find someone his own age' or 'she sure must have money to attract such a hot young boyfriend' are often signs of jealousy, boredom or, for certain people, a way to spend their free time.

Does it work?

In the end there are no rules or guidelines as to what age gap is more likely to sustain over time. It is, like with many other differences, about the two people in that relationship. Can you live with the differences in interests, views, beliefs, and routines in life? And as you see this question can be asked in any relationship, no matter what age difference.


Want to know more? Have a look at my blog.

Nathalie Himmelrich is the founder of 'Reach for the Sky Therapy' on Sydney's Northern Beaches and specialises in 'relationship related issues'. She is working with individuals and couples using techniques ranging from Counselling, Neuro Linguistic Programming to Journey Therapy. She supports clients in their personal growth in a supportive and professional environment.

Visit my website: http://www.reachforthesky.com.au or visit my blog: http://reachforthesky.wordpress.com and sign up for our newsletter today.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Nathalie_Himmelrich


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7020990

The Dating Age Difference Formula - Find Out If Your Love Interest Is Not Too Young For You

Author: Jim Terroirier

Copyright (c) 2010 Jim Terroirier

A relationship between a man and a younger woman is not the one-sided proposition that one might think. Contrary to popular belief, there is more to the relationship than a young woman going after some poor old sap's money and an old man trying to look and feel young again. There are solid benefits that each partner can enjoy and take from a healthy relationship between an older man and a younger woman. In fact, using factors such as reproductive age ranges and life expectancy, a logical equation to determine a feasible age range is 2/3 the age of the man minus 6. In other words, a man of 60 can feel comfortable and happy dating a woman who is 34.

In order to examine this further, we must first assume that we are talking about a healthy relationship between two people that is based on mutual love and respect. Of course there are those false relationships that are built on sex, narcissism, greed, and other superficial factors. We also know that there are plenty of relationships like this between partners who are the same age. These are not the kinds of relationships we are discussing here.

Benefits to the Older Man

As a man grows older, the temptation is to move life into the slow lane. He may be tempted to watch a little more television and jog a few less miles. As retirement looms, and his body begins to show further signs of aging, a man who is alone will age even more quickly because he will become less active. His eating habits may also fall by the wayside, and why not? He is not looking to impress anyone.

Now imagine this same man in a healthy relationship with a younger woman. She has not yet begun to slow down. She still likes to travel, go out to dinner, maybe play softball or golf, and just do things. The older man, strengthened and encouraged by the love of this woman, has the desire to do these things with her. He joins a bowling league with her or takes walks in the evening with her. He isn't trying to keep up with her because he wants to be younger than he is; he simply has the incentive to continue to move around and enjoy life. The result is that he slows his aging process, takes better care of himself, and improves his quality of life.

Benefits to the Younger Woman

Not all women who date an older man are seeking riches. In fact, many of today's women are educated and are enjoying careers of their own. They do not need a man to give them the financial security that relationship with an older man might bring. However, while she may not be seeking to extort riches, she does have the right to enjoy the security that comes with being with a man who has established himself professionally, has a home, and is done chasing women.

In general, girls and women mature faster than boys and men. This makes it easy to understand why a woman may be drawn to a relationship with an older man, and why these relationships are destined to work, despite the protests of those around them. The couple can enjoy a match of maturity, respect, love, and devotion. Additionally, because men tend to die earlier than women do, it is harder for women to find healthy men as they grow older, opening their minds to less traditional relationships such as these.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/relationships-articles/the-dating-age-difference-formula-find-out-if-your-love-interest-is-not-too-young-for-you-3944012.html

About the Author

Men tend to date women 5 years younger but the difference can be larger. If you are dating a younger women then you must keep here satisfied emotionally and physically by living a healthier lifestyle and using anti aging HGH releasers like Sytropin and Genf20 plus.

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