Can age gap relationships work?
You may be dating someone with a huge age gap (aka age gap relationship, often defined as 10 years or more), and wondering if it’s okay. Well, it depends. Only you will know if you’re in a healthy relationship or not.
What’s important is to understand your own feelings first before you ask others. As humans it’s normal to want the opinions of others, such as your parents, siblings, friends, relatives, teachers, neighbors, coworkers, the list goes on, but honestly, you need to commune with yourself and really figure out how you feel first.
Once you figure out you’re in a healthy relationship, you may still be unsure if your partner is the one and don’t know why. It’s okay. You’re charting a new territory. You may be feeling vulnerable and guilty, but you aren’t doing anything wrong. You’re very brave for walking your own path here.
You will start to get used to other people’s looks and questions and as time goes on, you realize that what’s more important is the real connection you have with your partner. Yes, it can be hard to let go of the fear of being judged or disappointing someone, but letting go is a must for inner peace. Other people’s judgments are secondary to your own opinions. So if you’re having harsh thoughts or inner critic, you can notice when those creep up and ask,
“Fear, what would you like me to know?”
It’s absolutely okay you take your time to get to know your partner. No need to rush to get engaged or married. Trust that the timing is perfect and that whatever happens will happen.
As someone who’s in an age gap relationship for almost a decade, it can work. I’m cheering you on.
Wishing you a genuinely loving relationship, no matter the age gap.
Reflection questions:
What are your and your partner’s communication style?
How do you feel when you’re with your partner?
How does your partner treat you?
What’s your love language?
Do you feel loved?