: 16, 2026 12:25 am : (!!Flirt!!^) dating a man 16 years older
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Article about dating a man 16 years older:
The Truth About Age Difference and Relationships. Do you see yourself with a boy-toy
or maybe you prefer a father figure image? What is the truth about age difference in relationships?
Does it really matter
and how could it affect you? Let’s explore the issues. In over 20 years as a matchmaker
a statement that I have so often heard is: “My physical age is X
but everybody says that I look many years younger. I do feel younger
so effectively
I am much younger.” In 9 out of 10 cases
an objective viewer would tell them that they do not seem younger. Because while they may be fitter
more active
and even a little more youthful in appearance than the average for their chronological age
these points alone do not add up to being younger. Our Youthful Identity. And that is because as we mature and develop our personality
a large part of our identity is formed from the imprint upon us of contemporary society
and this is particularly true during our teenage years. Over the last seven decades
western society has gone through a series of cultural revolutions which
more than ever before
have helped form our attitudes to so many things. For example
a seismic shift in attitudes took place in the 1960s
when youth culture with its associated fashion
music
and liberated attitudes
replaced the former paradigm of respect for seniority and authority. The result is that someone who was a teenager in the 1950s will often have little in common with someone who was teen-age a decade later. There are many other examples: pre- or post-Internet generation
pre- or post-conscripted military service
or earlier
pre- or post-war
etc. For practical purposes
an age difference of more than 10 years will mean that you will not have had many similar experiences while growing up. To have truly similar cultural and artistic anchors in life
such as the music
the movies
and the experiences that were important to you
the age difference needs to be a good deal less. Growing Old Together. You should also consider life going forward as a couple. “Growing old together“ is a much used phrase
but it gains real meaning for people in their 60s. Sadly
in the next two or three decades
health issues will become real and it is highly likely that some level of support will be necessary within a lasting relationship. Whilst it is true that on average women live a little longer than men
health problems or disabilities can crop up for either sex at any age. Such events are always traumatic
but when a younger person’s lifestyle is effectively limited by the failing health of their older partner
the relationship can become very stressful. And
on the positive side of the equation
interests often change with age in a closely aligned pattern. Many people in their 60s will have retired or are just about to retire
so will be taking up new pastimes and interests. Some pastimes and sports are lifelong activities
such as golf or sailing
but many others tend to be things that people move into at a certain age. However
if your ages are wildly different
then the same pursuits may not suit you both. And to add to that
if one partner in a relationship still feels they have several years of work left in them
while the other wants to retire
then this can create a whole raft of difficulties because the working partner will so often be unavailable. The simple message is that for many of us
large age discrepancies do not make for lasting relationships. Look Past the ‘He’s My Boy-Toy’ Ego Boost. But
as ever
it is the exception that proves the rule. Every now and then
a ‘May-September’ relationship really works
usually for reasons best known to those involved. One reason for some is that they had little contact with a peer group of their own age when growing up
instead spending their time with older relatives or their friends. I have recognised this situation with several women I have met. But when the boot is on the other foot
the man seeking a significantly older woman
there might be an underlying deeper psychological reason for this desire. I would urge any woman entering such a relationship to look past the ‘he’s my boy-toy’ ego boost and try to understand exactly why he wants you. You may be surprised. Finally
and somewhat in contradiction
let me say that nothing is impossible
because relationships do not work by rules. They are intrinsically a meeting of emotions
and we all know that emotions can take you anywhere. Just take a moment to counter those heady impulses by also considering the longer-term view. Let’s Have a Conversation: Are you looking for a life partner? Do you mentally calculate the age difference when sifting potential candidates? Why? What number
in your opinion
makes for the ideal age difference? Do you prefer dating a younger man or an older one?
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