[Terex]

Hi everyone,

New here, I am just curious what people think about the question above.

[lizardlady]

To me it depends on the individuals involved. US society tends to view relationships with large age gaps, regardless of gender, negatively. Personally, if both people are happy together their relationship is no one else's business.

[Rose76]

It's not wrong. It's totally possible for two persons of those ages to fall in love. However, the chances that it will turn into a permanent relationship are pretty slim, in my estimation, though it may last a few years. Regardless of the genders of the two persons, these two individuals are unlikely to be on the same page for more that a limited span of time. The 45 year old will be starting to slow down with age, just as the 20 year old is coming into his prime in terms of strength and energy. Their interests will diverge. They'll tend to find that others closer to their own age are more companionable. It may be a valuable experience for both of them, but I would call it a "stepping stone" affair, from which they springboard off and move on to something else. One of them may end up quite hurt. Then, again, that can be the outcome of any relationship.

[Crazy Hitch]

I had a real hard time voting on this, because as others have said, it depends so much on the individuals involved....

[Discombobulated]

I wouldn’t vote on this, as others say it’s no one’s business but theirs. We have a significant age gap (different genders) and been together 30 years, same challenges as other couples but what I will say is if it’s long term you need to be aware of the ageing process and how it’ll impact. How you cope with that will depend upon yourselves.

[RockyRoad007]

A 20 year old and 45 year old can have very different maturity levels. The 20 yo is barely out of their teens. That said, some 20 year olds can be very mature for their age.

What about socially? Is the 45 yo going to want to socialize with others in their late teens or early twenties which would be the social circle of the average 20 yo. Would they even be welcome? Or looked at as a creep? They may still be socializing with those they graduated school with.

Will the 20 yo want to socialize with other middle aged people, which could be the ages of the 45 year old's social circle. It would be like socializing with your Dad and his friends. Fun to do once in a while, but generally having fun with kids your own age is more fun.

It could end up being a very socially isolating relationship due to society judgement.

And having others assume you are the kid's Dad could sting!

[NovaBlaze]

Ultimately, if it is a relationship between two consenting adults, it’s for you to decide if the age gap is an issue. I know quite a few consenting adult couples who have age gaps between 10-20 years, that have sustained successful relationships.

However, the fact that you are asking this question, and seeking the opinion of others, would imply that you yourself have doubts. If you have doubts, then I think you have already answered your own question.

[Rive.]

Why not? Both are adults and know what they are getting into. So, as long as it is consensual it is up to the 2 individuals concerned.

That being said, each may have different reasons for being with one another... reason(s) they may not wish to disclose to the other. But at the end of the day, each is getting into the relationship with both eyes open.

[Terex]

Originally Posted by lizardlady

To me it depends on the individuals involved. US society tends to view relationships with large age gaps, regardless of gender, negatively. Personally, if both people are happy together their relationship is no one else's business.

I just did a quick check and there were previous questions like mine on here about straight couples, and lot of people voted, so it's strange people are hesitant on mine one.

Also, you said in the previous questions, you voted yes on both, so why not on mine?