What is an exceptable age gap in relationships?When is it too big?

Hello BStuff, I think it depends on the two people. I am 24 and my husband is turning 36 in a few days. 11 1/2 years seems like a lot to many people, but seriously if you see us together it's not weird or anything. As far as a young young girl and an older guy, I feel like age gaps get closer the older you are. It would be really hard for me to be supportive of a 14 year old dating a 19 year old, just because of the suspicion that he would be too mature, sexually for her... but again it depends on the people. If your boyfriend was respectful and didn't do anything inappropriate with/to you, more power to you both! I have a friend who's dad is 1 day older than her mother's mother (her grandmother)! It's kind of crazy, but they love each other and it all works out. I don't know any cases (that I can think of) where the woman is significantly older than the man... my mom is a few months older than my dad, lol. I don't find this very appealing, personally... as I am attracted to older men, I have a hard time believing that a woman would want someone younger, if only because of the maturity difference... but each to their own. Great topic!

Age is a number and little else. When talking about teenagers, I hesitate to mention particular ages, because teens vary so much in maturity. One 14 yr old can be as mature as another 18 year old, and a 20 year old can be as immature as a 15 year old. In the teenage years it is a rule of thumb that girls are more mature than guys of the same age. I am 73 years old and have been very happily married for almost 50 years. For the record, although I feel it has no bearing, my husband is 5 years older than I am. I have worked extensively with teens in youth ministry and I have been a marriage counsellor. I would say that some of the happiest marriages I have seen are ones where the girl is older than the guy - but I am not talking about teenagers. I am talking about couples who married in their mid-late twenties. It is impossible to answer your questions, because especially at the ages you mention, there is a vast difference in the development of individuals. Each case would need to be treated separately. My own belief would be that a 14 year old girl should not be "dating" anyone, but should be sharing in mixed group activities and getting to know many different guys in a group setting such as a youth group.