Everyone from Ryan and Blake and Nick and Priyanka to Jay-Z and Beyoncé makes a relationship age gap look so easy. These celebrity couples have come to define the adage “age is just a number” in its true sense. But are their relationships 100% free from troubles? Umm…probably not!
Every relationship has its fair share of ups and downs, and if there is a considerable age gap, they are oftentimes more prone to these turbulences. However, that doesn't mean you can't be with someone older than you and all you've got to do is keep a few things in mind before you walk down the aisle with your special one.
#1 - Don't run away from having significant conversations
When you know he/she's "the one," you shouldn't shy away from having important conversations. Speaking about life goals, building a family, post-retirement plans, etc., not only makes your bond stronger but also increases the compatibility between the two of you. Moreover, it shows your values and beliefs and gives your partner a clear idea of what you’re expecting from the union.
#2 - Give space to each other
It may sound counterintuitive but in reality, always saying yes to everything can lead to more misery than simply saying no sometimes. Remember, both you and your partner are two different individuals with different likes and dislikes so compromising 100% just to make your significant other happy is a dangerous road to take in the long run. Instead, try being true to both yourself and the one you love.
#3 - Bridge culture or generation gaps
It's quite natural that a millennial possesses a different mindset compared to someone hailing from Gen Z, for example. Things like music, movies, clothing style during their period would have differed quite drastically compared to modern trends. Being a member of Gen Z, it's your responsibility to bring your partner up to speed with the current trends but it’s important to do so in a way that does not offend them and instead encourages mutual learning.
#4 - Be practical
Oftentimes, couples with an age gap try to bridge the gap by simply avoiding pertinent issues and sweeping them under the rug instead. Things like the older partner's health, his/her responsibilities, etc., are mostly overlooked. This is why it’s important to discuss issues like these early on in the relationship to set clear goals and expectations for each other down the line.
Takeaway!
Marrying someone older or younger to you isn't a deal-breaker, and nor should it be so, but you have to prepare yourselves for challenges that will come your way. If you two work on your differences and embrace your similarities, it should, in theory, end up in a ‘happily ever after’ scenario.