by Rhonda M.

Created on: August 05, 2005   Last Updated: April 23, 2007

We have all heard the old saying age is just a number. In deed this is true but when it comes to love should age be considered as a factor? Age gaps have caused debates of relationships for years, for some it seems to matter while for others there seems to be nothing wrong with an age gap. Only the couple involved can decide the age gap issue.

Here is my opinion on a 30 year old dating an 18 year old. A 30 year old is old enough to give consent for their actions, as is an 18 year old. Legally there is no harm in the dating of these age groups. Problems arise on the compatibility and romance side of the relationship. The gap is a 12-year difference in the two. The 30 year old in the relationship should already be sowed their wild oats while the 18 year old is just getting ready to start. The 18 year old is ready to party all night and live carefree. The 30 year old may find this amusing in the beginning but will later tire of the life they used to lead. The age gap is large enough that the long term goals and interests of the couple are different. The 18 year old is looking for fun and excitement while the 30 year old probably wants to mellow out, settle down, and begin a family. This can cause damage to the relationship in the long run that cannot be sustained.

As time continues the older party in the relationship may also begin to question how they got such a young date. Could there really be truth to the old saying they are after me for my money? Often this causes depression, misunderstanding, and a falling apart from the other person. If left unattended by a break down of communication it can often lead to a break up of the couple.

Jealousy often rears its ugly head in couples with large age gaps. As each party ages sexual desires and tensions change. The older person in the relationship may begin to feel as they cannot satisfy their younger mate. Aside from sex they feel they are not as attractive and filled with energy as their partners younger male generation. This often leads to beliefs of infidelity. Just as you must wonder are they in it for the money one begins to wonder am I being a blind fool with such a sweet young mate?

I believe love knows not the number of age but society does. Dating a person with an age gap this large fills many minds with wonder, which often fills many hours with gossip. The rumors often begin with he/she is just a child barely legal and that old nasty gal/fella is old enough to be their mother/father. The decision comes down to the feelings of the couple in the relationship and should be up to them but should you decide on a relationship like this be prepared for the strange looks and hushed whispers you will probably encounter.

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