IS AGE REALLY JUST A NUMBER IN A RELATIONSHIP?

Over the years, one of the most popular pieces of relationship advice you will get from people is that age is just a number. And when we are considering choosing a life partner or going into a relationship, we shouldn't really bother about the age difference. Because according to them, age is just a number and all that matters is love and understanding, so today in that light, I would like to share my opinion on this subject matter.

_{***Thumbnail designed by me on canva.***} Is age truly just a number? I believe this is one of the things we should understand before proceeding on this topic. Well, to start with, the topic was talking about when it has to do with a 10 to 15-year age difference between couples or two partners that are in a relationship. This, I believe, is too much, and it will be very hard for such a relationship to have good rapport and communication in the way that most partners would. When the age is too much. Personally, for me, I think there are some things that wouldn't be in place like they would have been in a normal relationship where the age difference isn't that much.

I can't remember being in a relationship with a lady several years ago. She was 3 years older than I was, and even though the feelings were there and we were attracted to each other, She kind of berates me when I want to make a decision about one thing or another that we are talking about. I also remember whenever we had an argument, even though she is a loving person. Once there is a conflict between us, it won't take her long before she reminds me of my age, and I hope she's older than I am. This kind of put me off, and then I quickly withdrew before I could go into that relationship.

I won't totally downplay the fact that some marriages can work despite the huge age gap. But personally, I won't be working in that direction because of what I've experienced and my perspective on that matter. Also, I would like to share some of the facts or things I think will most likely play out in homes or relationships where the age difference is too great, and I hope you find it worthwhile.

_{[***Image by Edward Eyer on Pexels***](https://www.pexels.com/photo/man-and-woman-sitting-on-bench-in-grayscale-photography-1049557/)}

• Marriage and relationships are supposed to be between friends. In a relationship where there is friendship, there will be understanding. Freedom of speech and expression and adequate communication without filter. But in a case where there is a huge difference in age, such a lifestyle may not play out properly. The younger partner will be skeptical about what to say in order not to offend the older partner. While the older partner might, in the process of relating to their younger partner, talk as though they're talking to their younger sister, this, I believe, does not project how love should be between couples.

• But I felt that one of the core parts of a relationship is respect. For instance, the Bible states that the wife should respect the husband and that the husband should love the wife. Regardless of what the Bible says, respect is supposed to work both ways. But in a situation where the wife is older, I believe it will be hard for her to respect the husband because each time the husband does something that doesn't please her, even if she couldn't talk, she would grumble within her, and in a situation where you grumble too much or hold so many grudges, there's no way one way or another you can pour it all out one day.

Now it is worthy of note that the two points I listed above do not only affect relationships with huge age differences. We've seen several relationships where the age gap is minimal, yet these problems play out. But like I said, it is my opinion, and that is why I said I wouldn't be diving into a relationship with such a huge age difference. My opinion was based on the experience I had then, so I hope you understand and respect my decision.

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How is all on my opinion on age difference in a relationship and if I will going to such or not. The write-up was prompted by Hive Naija community writing prompts.

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Thanks for your time, have a blessed and productive week.