The study found that "couples with large age gaps had a faster decline in relationship satisfaction in their first six to 10 years of marriage than similarly aged couples"(Image: Getty)

'Perfect' age gap between couples revealed in study but not everyone agrees

17 Nov 2024, 08:00 by Paige Freshwater · Irish Mirror

While some people consider age a big factor in dating, others are more interested in their romantic partner's personality than how old they are.

However, according to an Australian study, there's a reason why so many couples end up falling for someone a few years older or younger than themselves - and it could be the answer to a more successful relationship.

The study found that "couples with large age gaps had a faster decline in relationship satisfaction in their first six to 10 years of marriage than similarly aged couples." For heterosexual couples, it states couples with an age gap between one and three years - with the man older than the woman - were the most common and had the greatest level of satisfaction.

A statement reads: "Relationship satisfaction decreased slightly for couples with age gaps of four to six years and continued to decrease for couples with an age gap of seven or more years... In short, research seems to indicate that in many cultures, an age gap of one to three years is considered ideal — but some researchers suggest even a relationship with an age gap of less than 10 years will bring more satisfaction.

What is an acceptable age gap?
byu/Choosey22 indating

"Still, numbers rarely tell the full story when it comes to love. It’s possible to be much older or younger than your partner and have exactly the right relationship for you."

Commenting on this, one Reddit user argued a person's maturity level is a much stronger indication of whether the relationship will work out than their actual age.

They said: "It goes by maturity level and how you treat each other. As long as the younger one isn’t being talked down to or feeling uncomfortable then I say whatever the gap…" Meanwhile, another user added: "An eight-year age gap between two consenting adults is fine. It is more an issue of personal compatibility, mutual attraction and ambitions and shared lifestyle preferences."

A third also chimed in: "I'm 39, my ex is 49, honestly it has more to do with maturity than anything. She became someone totally different and I had to get away from her. From my own experience at 39, almost 40, I prefer mid 20s-early 30s for my own reasons. Usually 18 to 22 crowd is a bit too immature for me and the late 30s to 40s tend to be the best, jaded, and treat me differently because I don't have any kids and they almost always have kids that are teens or adults."

Sign up to the Irish Mirror'sdaily newsletter hereand get breaking news and top stories direct to your inbox