Large age difference disastrous for your relationship

A study on the effect of differences between partners was published in mid-June. For example, a large age difference in couples appears to increase the likelihood of a breakup. In this blog, we look at the core of the research, but also give you tips for seeing partner differences with a different perspective. Read and be inspired!

Research by CBS

Recently, CBS conducted research on the effect of an age difference on the durability of relationships. The greater the difference in age, the more likely relationships are to fail. But other factors also appear to influence sustainability:

• start living together at a young age;
• different levels of education and income;
• Being married or not;
• The presence of a child or children from a previous relationship;
• different cultural backgrounds.

Perhaps we can also look at it differently, in a way where the differences between partners actually complement a relationship. We are inspired by Esther Perel’s vision.

A different mindset is the solution

It’s just how you approach it, a difference in age, income or culture. The question is: Is the difference allowed? Facing this with an open mind can help. Such a difference can actually make your relationship stronger, enrich it. Different lives, different upbringings, spending patterns and opinions, there is no need to be alarmed. Use them to spark curiosity. With genuine curiosity about the other person, you reduce the likelihood of conflict. Because putting yourself in the other person’s shoes makes room for respect and connection.

The fact that your partner is a lot older or has a different education is what makes him or her special. You can see it that way. In doing so, it is much more fun to look at the similarities, perhaps they outweigh the differences. And sometimes it also just helps to say: well, we differ, so what?

More articles