does it matter and where is the limit ?

My wife is 9 years younger and I always thought it was a lot but maybe it isn't.

I was 8 years younger than my hubby
Married 34 years
I don't think it's a big gap

I am realizing that now after looking at the broad age range some women put in the profile.

How about 20 years ? and if it's the way around that the man is older, is that ok ?

As I've heard rumoured and commented before.. they say to take your age, and divide it by 2, then add 7..to make the 'minimum' appropriate age disparity that may fall into the acceptable realm for dating/relationship..
I do not know to whom this rumour is attributable to

I am at an age where age isn't a deterrent. Unless she is like 20, cause she won't have a clue what cassette tapes are.

Hmmmmm.... A 45 year old woman may be blessed to meet a centred and sophisticated man in his 20s with similar hobbies, but the dealbreaker I think is if they have similar lifestyles/temperaments and goals/priorities in life including the decision and THE TIMING to have or not have kids. I am also thinking about a 30 year old woman who considers a man devastatingly suave at the age of 60 .... but ten years from now when she is in her prime at 40 (and men in their 20's desire her) and her guy is now 70 , will she still feel that strong attraction and commitment to him? It depends on the woman's tastes andnvalues if that will be a dealbreaker. But a more positive age gap example to explore would be celine dion and the 26 year age gap between her and her husband Renee. Look how happy they appeared to be and I suspect that their dynamic worked because they shared similar life goals/priorities, and temperament/lifestyles despite the wide age gap. In terms of goals/priorities, they mutually focused on celine's career and raising a family together. And regarding temperament/lifestyle, Celine , at Lindsey Lohan's age and prior to marriage was never photographed whooping it up at a club with one of her contemporaries. It makes me think that even at a young age , her lifestyle and personality were more on the tempered side which possiby matched the temperament of her older husband . So my conclusion is that compatability in life goals/priorities and temperament/lifestyle are more important than compatability in age. But I also think that wide age gap couples have to be extra secure in themselves and what they bring to the table .An older woman for eg who is obsessed with the age lines on her face may really struggle with her sense of security when the younger women around her flirt OPENLY with her younger guy . And an older man for eg who takes on the full time role of financial provider and is not secure in himself, may be tormented with doubts as to whether his younger woman is with him for his money or his love. If age gap couples are secure in each others love and have shared priorities and lifestyles, i really cant see why it cant work

I believe th st calculation you've reference is one from the Islamic faith. It's the calculation the men are meant to apply when seeking a partner. I could be wrong but seem to remember it being referenced in Spike Lee's Malcolm X.

Humm myself my ex was 8 years older then me, made no difference at all.. Heck he looked younger then most and too this day he still holds his age very well for being 65. He does not look his age at all..

As far as now that I'm 57 would I date younger last b/f was 12 years younger then me... Age never came up...

Would I date one that is 20 years or around my kids age hell noooo...

I think it is far more acceptable if the man is older.

I remember when I was younger with my young family seeing older guys with the obvious young 2nd wife and 2nd family and admire him for his courage and energy.

And then I find myself in that pre 2nd family position......

I think as with all relationships, especially the ones with "special" challenges whether that be age-gap, interracial, long-distance, or otherwise, the both people have to decide that they really want it and be prepared to endure the pain and enjoy the rewards

Spot on.

It's only now that I realize that my happiest days were when my children were young.

It's great for you to enjoy those amazing memories, but I hope one day soon, when the dust has settled, that you will see that your best years are ahead

Age is not a detergent to me. Maturity level and if you feel a connection most important. We all know life is short. If you like some one get 5, 10 or 50 years with them if you can.

I think women dating younger men is accepted more today than ever. Does it have to do with that whole "Milf" or "Cougar" fantasy? Maybe. Women are a stronger sex in this day and age and the taboo of dating younger, dating outside their own race and proving that they can make a life and career and not be dependent on a man proves it. Sure men will never face much scrutiny for dating younger, but I don't feel women face it much these days.

Goofball73 You knocked me out of my chair, let me dust-off. I always look forward to your frank, clear vision. I much prefer the lighter you, that bumps the table two or three times

Actually now days it is accepted for both to date much younger.. or older....

I have friends that have dated up to 20 years younger I don't have a problem with them doing so...

I just will not date someone in their 30's due to both of my kids are in their 30's and I'm not going there..

When it comes right down to it date who you choose to not what others choose for you... Once people learn that it is their life to decide how they live it, or who they are with they would be much better off.

Myself I could careless what others think I should or should not do..

I think it is more about compatibility than a number. When I was dating I dated 10 years older and 15-20 younger it totally depended on the guys,and how we connected.

Age is important for some and not at all for others. For me, I wouldn't be interested in dating someone who is much older, or much younger, as we're at different places in our lives. We won't have much in common.

always liked older women...2 to 10 years older. But now I prefer 2 to 10 years younger...is that weird or what.....just saying...???