Depends on a lot of factors. Someone 18 and 20? Likely not a problem. 17 and 21? Likely problematic, simply because there is so much growth in that 4 year period that the relationship is almost certain to be unbalanced and unhealthy.
To put it in words: the years between onset of puberty and brain maturity (25 for males, apparently) are the years where the marginal (year-to-year) rate of "growth and development" (in terms of social, personal, neurological growth) are highest (one could say this may be true from birth to childhood, but we are talking about the years where a romantic/sexual relationship is possible) . I'd say that during this period, one would be best to date as close as possible to their age group because the marginal rate of "growth" is so high, that just a few years difference will put the person in a completely different level than their partner and can lead to ethical issues arising. Once one is older (than, say 25), the marginal rate of "growth" decreases and one could date a person that is more than a few years older and not have the same ethical issues arise.
My friend and his husband met 9 years ago. He was 18 and his husband was 29. Obviously they're 27 and 38 now and love each other just as much as they did when they first met. They had a few ups and downs but what relationship doesn't. They got alot of negativity from people but they took it in their stride and pretty much told people what's it to you. My friend can be a little diva at times but that's more his personality than his age. If I met someone in their late teens 18/19 or early 20's, I would think twice about starting something long term but if the person is the one then I wouldnt let age get in the way.
I wouldn't date someone who's far older than me. If someone else wants to do it, then that's his thing.
I'd have to say I'm against it. The brain isn't fully developed until a person is in their mid 20's, this includes consequence comprehension. I don't think someome whose brain is fully developed should date someone whose isn't, they should let them develop with someone their own level/age. Generalle, if you're under 24 and the person you're dating if more than 2-3 years younger than you, it is (in my experience) a bad idea.
Like Chip says, it depends on a lot of factors. A 19 year old and 22 year old should be fine, but if it's something like 16 and 22, then it can start getting problematic. One also has to make sure that there is an equal power dynamic, and that each person in the relationship isn't controlling the other with resources such as money or favors. Anything more than a five year gap just as a general rule can start getting problematic.
I wouldn't be entering a relationship with a teenager, no. Not even if they where 18/19. If the person where 19, they'd be 9 years younger than me and I feel it's a bit too young. 23/24 is the youngest I'd go.
This is a very tricky subject, in my opinion I don't think such relationships should occur, ..But if you are the legal age, like say 18 (even though in my opinion, 18 is still a kid, there are even 18 year olds still in high school) then it's okay I suppose, but it's still kinda weird if they are legally 18, but the age gap is say ..like 10 years, or even ..maybe beyond 4 year difference, but anything below the legal requirement to me is just wrong, & I don't see the interest that some people have in dating teenagers, their brains are still developing, yes there's some level of maturity ..but they are in a way still little children, some still love to color & watch cartooons ..maybe I'm over-exaggerating that part, but still. Why can't kids just be kids? sometimes with some people, I feel that it's a fetish for them, that's one of my concerns ..or that they do it to get back this youth that they've lost, I dunno ..maybe my reasons aren't good enough, but I'll just be honest & say that no adult has any logical reason to be going after someone still considered a minor, it's gross ..I'm sorry, no offense to anyone ..but it is, adults should know better ..& so should the teens, even though they're young. Sorry if I come off like a grandpa, but It's just a subject that I never quite understood, whether straight or gay/lesbian/bi
I really don't think age should become a factor when it comes to love except when both parties are mature and truly loves one another. But then again one would pass away faster than the other, so there's that. :/
Some work, some don't. It really depends on the people involved. I was once with a someone 4 years older than me and it was a disaster. The relationship itself didn't feel bad, but it ended ugly- with my partner at that time cheating because yeah, why not. But some work out nicely.
I'd consider dating a 16/17 year old - but it depends on their maturity level. I don't want to enter a relationship where I feel the balance of power is tipped in my favour - nor do I want to enter one where the balance is tipped in the other person's favour. Where each individual is in life is also an important factor - I'm nearing the end of my degree, but someone who is 16 is still 2-3 years away from starting theirs, if they do at all. So, tread carefully would be my advice.
Probably not. Between teenagers and adults, there's just too much of an emotional maturity gap in most cases (except for like 18 and 19 yo). Things an adult may be ready for and understand could be something a teenager isn't ready for.
I probably couldn't date someone younger than 18 because of maturity. I could go way up though. The problem then might be physical attraction rather than mental development. Like, a big strong man with a moustache and a hairy chest might look kind of good, but I think I would be rather intimidated to, you know... do stuff. Lol.
I would say no based on maturity gap, like I wouldn't even want to date a 17 year old. Most people are miles apart in development at these ages, but if you can get something to work, I would say do what's right for you and the other person.
