The age old phrase “age ain’t nothing but a number” (coined by the late singer Aaliyah) has seemingly provided a sense of justification for one to date someone of a significantly and sometimes drastically different age range. However, in more cases than not this simply isn’t true. Age is NOT just a number. We can easily provide examples of couples that have significant age differences and have managed to make it work. However, that doesn’t negate the fact that someone’s age should definitely be taken into consideration before embarking on a relationship. By no means am I saying that we shouldn’t date someone because they are much older or younger than ourselves but it’s definitely something we should approach with caution.
My primary concern with dating a person of a drastically different age is really quite simple. When thinking about how much you’ve evolved in life, you are able to acknowledge your growth that came through trial, error and of course age. While age doesn’t always equal maturity, it does provide you with some sense of experience. Just think about the differences between age 18 and age 21. Aside from the fact that you had the newfound ability to legally purchase alcohol, you likely went through a tremendous amount of growth as you entered a greater level of adulthood. In a sense, you moved to a new stage in life. When dating someone at a different stage (whether a stage ahead or behind you) it can become difficult because you are at entirely different places in your lives. Personally, I don’t want to have coach my significant other through life nor do I feel the need to be coached. This is often combated with reply “He/She is mature for his/her age.” In some cases, this very true. There are circumstances that require people to mature quicker than others or a person can simply have a more mature demeanor about them. However, that’s not something that I’m willing to risk dealing with. To each his own. In the end, you should be with whoever truly makes you happy regardless of age. After all, it is YOUR relationship and you shouldn’t allow outsiders to have an influence on it.
Is age more than a number to you? Could you date someone who is significantly older/younger?
–Jordan
