Age Factor: Pros and Cons
I try really hard not to get hung up on age when it comes to dating. In my head, I have an idea of what I think works best for me. However, experience has taught me that if the right connection is packaged up in a guy who is older or younger, I need to be open-minded.
I believe there are pros and cons to dating younger and dating older. It ends up being more about where the two people are in their lives. I have dated guys in their 30s who were not even close to settling down. Then I have dated late 20s who brought up marriage way before I ever did. It’s quite interesting!
If you limit your dating age to a specific range, do you think it is realistic to strictly adhere to that? If you are open to dating a wide range of ages, what have you found to be the benefits of dating younger? What are the cons?
If you dated younger, do you think that the same issues you faced could arise with someone older? What are the pros and cons of dating someone younger?
In your own experiences, which age do you think you get along with the best?
How do you meet someone who may be in a different age range but share your interests?
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237 comments Add your comment
AmazonRed™ - New auntie again!
January 11th, 2010
8:51 am
Morning gang! Just checking in while I wait for the meter guy to come by the house! Hope everyone is having an awesome 2010 thus far.
As for the question, of course I have a preference for a guy to be around my age. It’s just easier to relate, IMO. However, I’m still not of the notion of rejecting someone just because he doesn’t fit my criteria. He gets a chance to confirm my preconceived notions first.
Jeff
January 11th, 2010
9:02 am
Fortunately, I’m at an age (39) where I can date a wide range of women. I’ve dated a woman 9 years older than me as well as 11 years younger. If she’s “got it”, let’s give it a try!
DreamsMaterialize
January 11th, 2010
9:08 am
Morning
I generally date in my age range, plus or minus. It’s socially and culturally the norm for guys to date younger, so I don’t have too much of a problem with that, unless we’re talking robbing the cradle. lol Really I just look for someone who is in a similar place in her life.
ARed how you been girl?!?
SlimOne...just call me Nicety!
January 11th, 2010
9:34 am
Morning All!
I typically date in the same general age range of my own age. Yes I’ve dated older & yes I’ve dated younger. I don’t set out to stay within a certain age, it just kind of happens that way. However, I have had advances from men of the “Senior” age and the thought of that did creep me out a bit. I just can’t fathom a relationship with a man who is more than double my age (31) and who is also older than both of my parents! BLECH!
THE INFAMOUS DK aka MR RON BURGUNDY
January 11th, 2010
9:58 am
K, Sidebar.. One of the funniest commercials ever..
http://www.dhadm.com/mediaHolder.php?id=1407
You son of a Biscuit eating Bulldog
What the French Toast?
Doo doo head cootie queen
Lint licker
Pickle you cumquat..
Stinky Mc Stinkface
Sassy Me...Black Koffe...no sugar, no cream :-)
January 11th, 2010
10:00 am
However, I have had advances from men of the “Senior” age and the thought of that did creep me out a bit.
Me too and the first thing that comes to mind is “pig in the blanket”(y’all grown so I know you know what I mean)and the second is I don’t want to date anyone remotely close to my grandparents age or older than my parents. Typically I date men ~6-7 years my junior…no it’s not something I tried to do but that’s just how it happened. I’m sure that that range will broaden as I get older but in the meantime I’m riding the wave and living life.
THE INFAMOUS DK aka MR WHAT THE FRENCH, TOAST?
January 11th, 2010
10:04 am
I have certain age requirements.. You cant have a faint heart to ride the scream machine (be too old) and you have to be a certain age to like a heaight requirement.. Oh course as in everything, there are limitations..
M. (pronouced M dot)
January 11th, 2010
10:04 am
Monday…
“If you dated younger, do you think that the same issues you faced could arise with someone older? What are the pros and cons of dating someone younger?”
I think it is different for all people. I dont want to paint everyone with the same brush. I have learned alot from dating women who are older. Also you have to be careful with older females because alot of them like to try to be maternal figures and that gets annoying. Also younger females like to play alot of games. They like the chase and want to be sweated. I think the entire encounter with the woman has to be built on respect. If you dont have respect, its built on quicksand and shes going to leave you anyway. Alot of older women will try to test you also, just to see what kind of guy you, what they can get away, if you are a trick etc…You just have to always keep you eyes open and listen.
Bibay
January 11th, 2010
10:06 am
Have to agree with SlimOne and Sassy- can’t do the Senior citizens. LOL at the “pig in a blanket”.
I usually date close to my age, but would not discount someone that is maybe 5 to 6 years younger or older.
Leggs
January 11th, 2010
10:13 am
@InfamousD ~ lil leggs yelled for me to come into her room to see that commercial…she was cracking up. I looked at her like she lost her mind. I’ve seen that commercial a gazillion times.
On topic: At my age, I’ve noticed that a lot more younger men are interested or, at least are tying to talk to me. Men my age or older that I’m meeting have too many aches, pains, medical issues. They don’t seem to be taking care of themselves. I’m in a quandry. Too date younger may have it’s issues, but more importantly, my tolerance level for constant foolishness may be tested. It all depends on a person’s maturity level.
Hello ARED! Happy New Year!
Carrie
January 11th, 2010
10:19 am
Men my age or older that I’m meeting have too many aches, pains, medical issues.
LOL Maybe it’s time for you to hang it up. You’ll only be changing pampers and spoon feeding. Your Valentine’s gift will be a Medic Alert bracelet.
Straight Sexy and as Cool as the other side of the pillow.
January 11th, 2010
10:22 am
Younger, older. It’s all a State of Mind.
Carrie
January 11th, 2010
10:23 am
I’m almost there with you girl, early early forties. I’m finding though that I’m not really interested in too many that’s younger, even if only by a couple of years, I’ve found if they’re physically fit, can still go a good round or two in the sack then it’s STILL on as far as games. No time for that. Shamefully too, I must admit, most men a few years past my age makes me cringe at the wrinkles.
AmazonRed™ - New auntie again!
January 11th, 2010
10:24 am
Hey Dreams and Leggs. Great to read you. I’ve been quite well. The job has blocked sites with “blog” in the title so it’s been hard to come to MIA! Oh well, at least I’m productive at work now. LOL
Straight Sexy and as Cool as the other side of the pillow.
January 11th, 2010
10:26 am
@ARed – head nod.
Sassy Me...Black Koffe...no sugar, no cream :-)
January 11th, 2010
10:26 am
You’ll only be changing pampers and spoon feeding. Your Valentine’s gift will be a Medic Alert bracelet.
@ D K and Leggs that commercial ROCKS and I always lose it at the “lint licker” part….what adds to it is the seriousness they have about it…cracks me up. There was another one like it but that one was the funniest.
SlimOne...just call me Nicety!
January 11th, 2010
10:27 am
@Infamous In regards to that commercial, when I first heard it I wasn’t really paying attention to it…then the LINT LICKER comment made my ears perk up like WTF? I couldn’t help but have the instant thought of “Carpet Muncher” run through my head. LMAO!
On Topic – I’ve also dated a guy that was more than 6 yrs my junior. Although I found him surprisingly mature responsibility wise, he still exhibited traits of having a lot of ‘play’ in him on the dating tip. At the end of our story, he ended up meeting this other chick in the club, got her pregnant, lied about it as well as was dishonest about her getting ready to move with him, until the chick somehow found my email address and sent me a “Woman to Woman” email basically trying to figure out the nature of our courtship. It’s just another story I chop up to experience. Even after all that, I wouldn’t say I’m swearing off younger men but I will, as you should in meeting anyone of any age, just tread carefully.
Carrie
January 11th, 2010
10:28 am
Can you get the Medic Alert bracelet engraved at least?….
I don’t think it really even matters at that point.
Sexy and as Cool as the other side of the pillow.
January 11th, 2010
10:30 am
Guess I should have added something about body in there as well.
Sassy Me...Black Koffe...no sugar, no cream :-)
January 11th, 2010
10:34 am
I don’t think it really even matters at that point.
Actually it was a joke but maybe you needed me to point that out….mea culpa and moving on…No need to split hairs.
Leggs
January 11th, 2010
10:35 am
@Carrie ~ I can’t hang it up and not date at all…I’m too outgoing
Yeah, you may have a point there. I need to stay on the younger side. I had this guy call me a few months back and started talking about his hip hurting him. Said he was going to stay in bed and not do much for the rest of the day. He’s 58. See, stuff like that I do not need! I don’t do old, I don’t talk old, I don’t walk old, I don’t eat old (smacking w/food on the corners of the mouth).
@SassyMe ~ hush on the engraving.
Leggs
January 11th, 2010
10:45 am
And yes, I knew you were making fun (SassyMe)!
Carrie
January 11th, 2010
10:47 am
Sassy – your 10:34 Huh?
Some of you need to take a day and breathe, away from this thing. I understood that to be a joke and replied accordingly. Splitting hairs? Really, c’mon. When you misconstrue most replies, then you need a day break.
THE INFAMOUS DK aka MR WHAT THE FRENCH, TOAST?
January 11th, 2010
10:56 am
Sassy – “You doo doo head cootie Queen”
Carrie “Who you calling a cootie Queen, Lint Licker”
Bibay
January 11th, 2010
11:00 am
LOL- INFAMOUS. You are being a “Stinky Mc Stinkface”.
Carrie
January 11th, 2010
11:06 am
LOL. Almost like bad man hit my hand.
East Point's Own
January 11th, 2010
11:09 am
I have to say that age really has nothing to do with a person’s problems or maturity. I have dated women in their mid to late 30’s who did not have a firm grasp of reality, while I know some young ladies still in their 20’s who are making huge strides forward. I say what makes each of us are our experiences and what we have learned from those experiences. People who are considered to be mature/responsible usually have learned from their mistakes and the mistakes of others, while those people who make it through life without analyzing what they are doing wrong tend to have pieces missing in their lives. And there are some people who just do not want accept the fact that they have become an adult and that means doing things that are required which may not always be pleasant.
http://hispointofview.com
Sexy and as Cool as the other side of the pillow.
January 11th, 2010
11:12 am
There is an amazing difference between talking TO a person and talking AT them.
Sassy Me...Black Koffe...no sugar, no cream :-)
January 11th, 2010
11:13 am
Almost like bad man hit my hand.
Yeah and the hand usually had sand in it…..
D K you crazy
Leggs glad u got it.
CoolShadow
January 11th, 2010
11:19 am
What are the pros and cons of dating someone younger?
The age factor really depends on the person. I’ve known or dated younger women who were nearly monastic in their lifestyle while conversely meeting older women who had their joie de vivre thing going on.
Generally speaking, the pros of dating younger is introducing them to cultural and intellectual aspects that they yet to encounter. The down side is if they continue to orbit in the immaturity zone and refuse to break that.
How do you meet someone who may be in a different age range but share your interests?
Sometimes by chance while being involved in the particular interests, sometimes through interaction or introduction and conversation you discover the common interests with people. In short, the same way you’d meet anybody else; I don’t seek out younger women exclusively, just the young at heart.
I am whatever you say I am
January 11th, 2010
11:24 am
I used to strictly date those that were older than me but I decided to have an open mind and try someone younger.
I dated someone that was 7 years younger than me (youngest I ever dated) and he ended up being the most mature I have ever dated.
My son’s father is 13 years older than me (Oldest I have ever dated) and he ended up being the most immature I have ever dated.
So there you go, age is just a number.
Sassy Me...Black Koffe...no sugar, no cream :-)
January 11th, 2010
11:25 am
They’re all gonna laugh at youuuu…..they’re all gonna laugh at youuuu!!
Grace
January 11th, 2010
11:33 am
Warm hello on a cold morning, I guess it’s safe to say that age is not the determining factor when it comes to dating whethere they are younger or of certian age. It’s really all about the mind and maturity level. I used to think older was more mature but I was shocked into reality really quick and the same goes for younger, thinking that they were still in training. I no longer look at age, I now look at sensibility.
SlimOne...just call me Nicety!
January 11th, 2010
11:33 am
Yo mama was a snowblower!
Page1908
January 11th, 2010
11:36 am
Hey everyone. Regarding the topic, I never had a specific age range when it comes to dating. What I have learned is that just because a person is a certain age, doesn’t mean that he will be more or less mature, just based on his age.
DreamsMaterialize
January 11th, 2010
11:40 am
I think where lots of people go wrong is thinking that somehow things change becuase you get older. The game doesn’t change, the players just get old.
Leggs
January 11th, 2010
11:41 am
@SlimOne ~ if you’re coming with mama jokes, can’t continue to call yourself “Nicety” (lol)!
Page1908
January 11th, 2010
11:43 am
lol Dreams
Sitting Pretty
January 11th, 2010
11:44 am
I prefer to date around my age or a few years older. However, I do meet a lot of great men that don’t fall into that small age span, so I try to keep my options open. At the most, I would date 10 yrs older….but if I don’t know anything else, I do know to “never say never”. I have a friend dating a man 24 years older and another one dating 16 years older. I’m starting to see that more and more from women in my age group.
Grace
January 11th, 2010
11:47 am
24 years older! somethings need to be prohibited.
East Point's Own
January 11th, 2010
11:49 am
@CoolShadow You said
“Generally speaking, the pros of dating younger is introducing them to cultural and intellectual aspects that they yet to encounter. The down side is if they continue to orbit in the immaturity zone and refuse to break that.”
And I think times are changing… I am 29 and my friends and myself (male & female) have seen more of the world and experienced a wider variety of things in life than most folks who live to be 100. Granted as we get older we gain wisdom and life experience, but I think younger people today are far more mobile in reality and virtually than any generation before us. In my cell phone right now I have phone numbers of people I know on 5 different Continents(of which I have visited 4 so far) I doubt that most people who are 40,50,60+ can say that.
I said all that to say that you can’t assume that you have experienced more culture than a person because you are older. I still find it humorous when I talk to older people who cringe at the idea of eating sushi, octopus, or who have never heard of kim chi or Masalas or Moles while folks of my generation think its no big deal to order any of these things.
2CPTG......"aged to perfection"
January 11th, 2010
11:51 am
the perfect age right now……right there where I can get at them cougars, and still not too old for Gen Y……
SlimOne...just call me Nicety!
January 11th, 2010
11:53 am
@Leggs I’m not exactly sure why i felt the urge to say that…guess I had a quick bout of Tourettes as I channeled Johnny 5 from the movie Short Circuit. lol
Luvbug
January 11th, 2010
11:54 am
and started talking about his hip hurting him. Said he was going to stay in bed and not do much for the rest of the day.
LOL – somehow, that made me think of my dad. He had hip replacement surgery a few years back and complains about his figure…He’s gained a little belly and is falling to pieces about it…he’s old enough to ache but likes to mingle and stay in shape.
He cracks me up sometimes. He’s in another state and when he sends pictures, he always wiggles in a disclaimer explaining the extra girth.
I’m like, “Yeah, whateva Dad. Excuses. Excuses.”
Leggs
January 11th, 2010
11:57 am
“…I had a quick bout of Tourettes” That was hysterical!
@Luvbug ~ then I see nothing wrong with a little complaining if in fact you underwent hip replacement. If not, deal with the aches and pains and not bend my ear about it. In that one convo he talked about his hip, his diabeties and all the pills he’s taking. I’m frowning as I’m typing this!
Sitting Pretty
January 11th, 2010
12:01 pm
@Grace…Same thing I said, but hey if she likes it, I love it…I guess
@East Point’s Own…You make a good point. Times are changing. I’m around your age and the experiences that I have/had/and will have are so different than some of the older generations. We’re willing to try more things or maybe it’s just we have the opportunity to try more than in the past. So age doesn’t necessarily reflect experience, sometimes it’s really just a number.
Carrie
January 11th, 2010
12:03 pm
Well, maybe something is wrong with me. My coworker is dating someone 55 and she’s 42. Yuck!
Leggs
January 11th, 2010
12:05 pm
42 and 55 isn’t too bad! Perhaps he’s a youthful, spontaneous, fun loving, outgoing, not medicated 55 year old.
2CPTG......"aged to perfection"
January 11th, 2010
12:09 pm
I agree Leggs….42 and 55 ain’t bad…….
THE INFAMOUS DK aka MR WHAT THE FRENCH, TOAST?
January 11th, 2010
12:13 pm
Im tellin ya when I get to be a older gentleman I will be bout 55 and have a 35 for sure if Im not married.. Have these young Playas like “Pops got him one”..