The age difference between a man and a woman: the psychology of relationships. Big age difference between men and women

Love can arise between people regardless of the date of birth in the passport, position in society, appearance, nationality or religion. There is a lot of debate about who in the family should be older and by how much, and the question often arises: what is the perfect difference aged between a man and a woman.

Perfect age difference

People have been trying for decades to determine the ideal age difference between a man and a woman. The most common opinion is that a man should be 5-6 years older than his chosen one, but many are convinced that spouses should be the same age.

However, there is an opinion that the age difference does not affect the relationship between a man and a woman at all. In support of the theory, long-term successful marriages between people from different generations are given.

At each age, a person forms a certain view of the family and relationships, some opportunities disappear and others appear in their place, therefore, depending on the date of birth, relations between partners will be built differently.

Spouses are peers

Unions among peers are not uncommon. Often marriages are between classmates (classmates), childhood friends. People of the same age have a similar past, interests, life positions, grow up at the same time.

In such marriages, partners strive to live for themselves as long as possible:

  • get an education;
  • build a career
  • travel;
  • not in a hurry to have children.

Worth knowing! Despite the commonality of interests and complete mutual understanding, according to statistics, more than half of marriages between peers are destroyed after 2-3 years.

The disadvantages of the union between peers include:

  • rapid cooling of feelings;
  • the need to take a leadership position to one of the partners (often a woman);
  • the need to compromise, be patient and support each other.

Important! Emotional maturation in a man comes much later than in a woman, and therefore it is the lady who has to take on the main roles in the family, despite the fact that ambitious men are not always satisfied with this.

A marriage between peers may well be successful, but this will require considerable effort, because passionate love and sex drive cool down gradually.

A spark in a relationship can be supported:

The man is older than the woman

A relationship model in which a man is slightly older than a woman is considered the standard of a harmonious family. More mature man approaches building relationships responsibly, strives to create a family and take care of his chosen one.

Marriages in which the spouse is much older will not surprise anyone. Depending on the difference in ages, relationships will be built and developed in their own way.

For 5-7 years

Men have always liked the young and attractive girls. At the same time, the desire to create a family and have children among the stronger sex arises a little later than among girls.

There is a good reason for this trend. It is believed that in order to start a family, a man must be wealthy enough to support not only himself, but also his wife and offspring.


A conscious decision to marry is formed in men, in most cases, by the age of 30, and as a partner they are looking for girls a little younger than themselves.

Marriages with an age difference of 5-7 years have many advantages:

  • community of interests;
  • material independence;
  • coincidence of sexual activity;
  • the opportunity for a man to take a leadership position in the family;
  • a sense of security in a woman;
  • the minimum risk of adultery on the part of a man due to the youth of his wife.

Worth knowing! According to sociological studies, couples with an age gap of 5-7 years have the most children and the most low interest divorces.

For 10-12 years

The age gap between spouses in the region of 10 years is also considered quite normal in society.

A more mature man at the time of entry into serious relationship already manages to build a career, get a lot of life experience. In such a relationship, a woman receives many advantages:

  • the husband is the legitimate leader, protector and provider;
  • the wisdom and knowledge of a man allow you to effectively resolve domestic issues and conflicts;
  • sexual experience provides complete satisfaction intimate life;
  • a man is ready for the appearance of children.

For a middle-aged man, the decision to get married is a conscious decision, not an emotional one. He is ready to take care of both his wife and children, and most importantly, he is able to provide for them. Older men attract young girls with their ability to deal with ladies, beautiful courtship, and seriousness of intentions.

Over 15 years

If several centuries ago marriages between young girls and men in old age were considered the norm, now they cause rejection in society and heated negative discussions.

In the old days, families in which the husband is much older than the wife were considered stable and prosperous. Now, almost everyone is sure that such unions are concluded solely by calculation, in order to obtain material benefits for the girl.

Despite the fact that relationships between partners with a large age gap may well be based on mutual sympathy, love and common interests, they have both advantages and disadvantages.

The advantages of marriage in which a man is 15-20 years older than a girl are:

  • experience and education of a man;
  • material security of the family;
  • the desire of the spouse to lead an active and healthy lifestyle life to match the young wife.

Disadvantages of age-unequal marriage:

  • problems in sexual life;
  • low chance of having children;
  • difference in life goals, views, interests.

At the same time, despite a large number of obstacles, there are many examples where partners are happy and satisfied with life.

Important! In the case of a large age difference, it is important that the decision to marry be conscious on both sides and both spouses understand what they will receive and what they will have to give up in this union.

The woman is older than the man

It is quite difficult for women to decide on a relationship in which the partner will be younger. The main reason is the rejection of such families in society, but such couples have other problems.


Hugh Jackman's wife, Deborra Lee Furness, is 13 years older than him.

For creating happy family a mature lady will have to accept the supremacy of her husband, otherwise, she will behave in a pair like a caring mother, and sooner or later the family will fall apart. In addition, in such relationships there is always a risk of infidelity on the part of a man with a younger girl.

For 3-5 years

Unions in which a woman older husband ranks for several years are quite successful, especially if they are in adulthood (over 30 years old).

Benefits such a marriage are:

  • the girl's desire to look young and attractive in order to match her partner;
  • experience and wisdom that allow you to effectively solve everyday issues and get out of conflict situations without harm to relationships;
  • the peak of sexual activity in a woman, allowing to satisfy the needs of a young partner.

At the same time, a woman is not always able to adequately treat her young partner, accept some of his shortcomings, and recognize a man younger than herself as the head of the family.

The disadvantages of a relationship in which a woman is 3 or more years older are:

  • intense jealousy and suspicion towards the young spouse;
  • the desire to decide everything on her own and to be a leader in the family;
  • high risk betrayal by a man.

Nevertheless, there are many examples of successful marriages with such a difference in age, especially when they are concluded between adults and financially secure partners with common interests.

For 6-10 years

Marriages in which the woman is more than 5 years older than the man are extremely rare. This fact is due to the fact that a man will always prefer a young girl to a mature one, because she will emphasize his masculinity and success.

Nevertheless, such alliances do exist, and are often quite successful. In order for the relationship between partners to be happy, they will have to come to terms with the condemnation of others.

The disadvantages of unions in which a woman is older than a man are:

  • aging partner;
  • significant difference in interests;
  • dominance of a mature woman over a young man;
  • constant suspicions of infidelity towards a partner.

Worth knowing! If there are deep feelings for each other, common goals, hobbies and interests, a man and an older woman can get a completely harmonious union based on respect and maturity of partners.

Over 15 years

Pursuit adult woman become the wife of a young attractive man quite understandably, because she wants to feel young, attractive and loved.

Middle-aged ladies are quite able to interest a partner with their experience, knowledge, grooming and excellent appearance. However, often such alliances are concluded from mercantile interest young man to a successful and financially secure lady. Stories about such relationships are often found in the yellow press and are associated with famous personalities.

Marriages between a mature woman and a young man have many disadvantages:

  • jealousy and total control over a man by a woman;
  • public condemnation;
  • difference in interests and hobbies;
  • financial overtones in relationships;
  • difference in the level of sexual activity.

Formula for calculation

Despite the fact that love and feelings are far from science, there is a formula by which it is possible to calculate the ideal age difference between a man and a woman to build happy and harmonious relations.

Of course, couples are completely different, and age is not main factor in creating a family. Nevertheless, with a certain age ratio, partners will be able to avoid gossip from relatives and the public and fully realize themselves as a couple.

The formula for the ideal age difference between partners is as follows:

F \u003d M / 2 + 7

where w is the age of the woman and m is the age of the man. Thus, a 40-year-old representative of the stronger sex is ideal fit girl at the age of 27 and older (40/2+7=27). If the partner is younger, the difference will seem too big.

Nowadays, a lot of couples, including unions between stars, do not fall under this formula, but nevertheless have strong marriages And happy relationship. It all depends on the willingness of partners to interact with each other, to find common interests to make compromises.

scientific opinion

Despite the existence of a formula for calculating the ideal age difference between a man and a woman, as well as statistics on divorce proceedings, disputes between scientists on this topic do not subside.

Specialists from different countries determine optimal ratio ages between spouses in their own way:

  1. Scientists from the United States argue that the ideal age difference between spouses is one year. With this ratio, the risk of divorce is only 3% according to statistical studies. The probability of divorce for partners with a gap between dates of birth of five years is 18%, and at 10 years - 39%. Unions in which spouses have more than 20 years of difference will break up in 95% of cases.
  2. Finnish scientists, based on long-term studies, have established that a wife should be younger than a man by as much as 15 years. In this way, the couple can have a sufficient number of healthy and strong children.
  3. Swedish researchers believe that in marriage a woman should be 6 years younger than a man, and with such a difference, the likelihood of a break in relations is minimal.
  4. Russian experts say that it is best to create a family with a peer. According to statistics, such marriages are about 27%, and the number of divorces among them is small.

People are born, people fall in love, get married ... And the question of what should be the age difference between a man and a woman remains open: there is no single right option for everyone. Since Soviet times, I remember the statement that spouses should be the same age, the majority advocates a difference in the range of 4-5 years, and the rest are sure that it doesn’t matter if the husband is older or younger, the main thing is that people feel good together.

Optimal spacing

If you ask psychologists what kind of age difference is ideal for a relationship, they will name five to six years. Most people feel comfortable in a union where the husband is slightly older than the wife and there is no big difference in age. The spouses are in a psychologically favorable age zone, do not go beyond one generation, they are united by a similar worldview, common problems. It is easier for the wife's parents to communicate with the husband's relatives and vice versa.

A man who gets married at 28-30 years old, as a rule, is already firmly on his feet and can support his family on his own, and a woman at 22-24 is at an ideal age for childbearing. future father consciously approaches the issue of the appearance of offspring and is able to support his wife during difficult periods of pregnancy, childbirth and raising a baby.

It has been proven that in a marriage with a small difference in age, spouses have more children.

Bes in the ribs...

However, marriages are not uncommon, where a man is older than a woman by 10-15, or even all 20 years. And if the age difference of 10 years is perceived by society as normal, then people usually have questions about a couple with a difference of 15-20 years. Such an alliance is uncomfortable for both parties due to the increased interest and negative attitude of others.

Problems begin at the stage of meeting with parents and continue in the process. family life. The public, as a rule, "excites" the disinterestedness of a girl who agrees to live with a man who is suitable for her father, and the alleged difficulties in conceiving a child by an elderly spouse.

The negative is added by the fact that for a man this marriage, most often, is not the first and ex-wife and children from a previous union can seriously interfere with the relationship of the spouses. If this is the case for you, then it is worth evaluating feelings and expectations objectively and considering whether you are ready for a difficult relationship.

Aged lady

Situations are not uncommon when in a married couple it is not the husband who is older, but the wife. A small age difference is usually imperceptible, and the benefits of such a marriage are obvious. A woman whose husband is younger tries to look younger and devotes more time to caring for herself. Subconsciously, she is afraid that the young spouse will pay attention to peers or young girls, so she is often tormented by jealousy and suspects an innocent hubby of infidelity. At the same time, she strives to save the marriage and makes significant efforts to this end.

All my life it was believed that a man should be older than a woman. Today, women find themselves much younger than themselves men. How correct is this? What is the ideal age difference between a man and a woman?

Man older by 4-8 years

Most experts believe that an age difference of 4-8 years is optimal. A man manages to gain the necessary life experience and is already more responsible for relationships. couples with such a difference in age, they have many more children than others - this has been proven by many sociological studies.

Man older by 8-16 years

Society is quite loyal to marriages where a man is 10 years older than a woman. If the difference is greater, then the attitude towards marriages will be negative. Many people believe that a difference of more than 10 years is a departure from the norm.

But even here it is not necessary to judge everything so strictly. A man at this age can achieve tremendous success in life - build a career, provide for a family and be confident in himself and his wife. At this age, men will not make stupid mistakes that they made earlier. They are wiser, more tolerant and more sensitive.

Man older by 20-30 years

In the distant past, marriages where the man was more than 20 years older than the girl were quite natural. Now the situation has changed quite a lot. Parents do not make a choice for the girl, she herself has the right to decide with which person she builds her personal life.

Scientists believe that such an age-unequal marriage can harm spouses: the negative attitude of others, gossip, constant gossip will only cause stress and depression, which will negatively affect their health.

The woman will age rapidly, the spouses may have problems with the birth of a child, and in the future the wife will have to take care of the health of her husband.

Woman older by 4-8 years

These families are now frequent occurrence. Five years or more is not too much of a difference in age and many couples live very happily.

A woman who is 5 years older than her husband will try her best to look like a more attractive and worthy wife. Such a wife is much more experienced and wiser, she is easier to relate to quarrels and domestic troubles. The disadvantages can be considered that a woman can become quite jealous and suspicious.

Woman older by 8-16 years

Such marriages are very rare, almost any man prefers a girl younger than himself. Therefore, if a woman is much older than her man, then there is a chance that he will go to a younger girl. However, such marriages do exist and many of them are truly happy.

These marriages face great difficulties and not everyone can overcome them. It is also not easy to survive the reaction of others to the fact that a woman is much older than her husband.

Woman older by 20-30 years

Everything is clear here - a woman wants to feel loved and attractive at any age. She is quite experienced and can easily interest a young gentleman.

Experts say that such a marriage will not bring much joy and love. Therefore, young guys who choose such ladies have some psychological problems Or just for your own interest.

Age difference - video

Take a closer look at familiar families. You will notice that marriages between peers are not popular. Most often, one of the spouses is older. There is an unspoken belief in society that the ideal age difference is when a woman is 3-6 years younger than her chosen one. But real life richer and more interesting than philistine ideas. Your partner's age does not fit into generally accepted norm? This is not a reason to predict a negative scenario for relations.

History knows numerous examples successful unions who proved that significant age inequality is not a hindrance to marital happiness. What helped to keep fidelity and warmth of feelings? True love or exact calculation? Let's figure it out together.

Let's get acquainted with the nuances that brings to the relationship different age partners. They will help to make the right decision for those who have not yet decided to tie themselves with the bonds of Hymen. If the acquaintance is recent, think, evaluate possible risks, weigh the various pros and cons. Even if falling in love blinds with hot feelings, it never hurts to test them with a cold mind.

The man is older than the woman

From time immemorial, such unions have been encouraged by society, especially among nations that practice arranged marriages. Parents traditionally chose a wealthy fiance's daughter as a companion, despite the substantial age difference.

In our world, the trend continues, only the motivation has changed. It is based not on parental will, but on the conscious choice of spouses.

If the girl is not embarrassed mature age partner, we are talking about a special mental warehouse. Husbands much older like to choose young ladies, deprived paternal love in childhood. There are plenty of advantages in such an alliance:

  • A woman is attracted by care, worship, material security, support of a respectable husband. She enjoys gifts, compliments and various blessings of life. A man who chooses a young wife receives a worthy "diamond" in the frame for self-affirmation and pride in front of his surroundings.
  • The older husband is mentally prepared to support the family and raise children. He is no longer inclined to collect various amorous victories, he dreams of settling down. These are exactly the qualities that a girl lacks in a marriage with a peer.
  • For a man, communication with a woman much younger than himself is an opportunity to recharge with an aura of youth and optimism, to maintain moral and physical tone for a long time.

girls oriented towards old husband, psychologists marriage unions advised not to chase celebrities. The number of free millionaires in the world is limited. In order not to stay on the beans, choose promising and purposeful husbands.

Relationship cons

The main negative point is associated with the lack of freedom of age men. Standing candidates have been busy for a long time, have children and a family, which they are in no hurry to leave. The status of a mistress is offensive for a girl, sooner or later she raises the issue of marriage with an edge.

If a mature man decides to break with his family, public opinion will not support a young rival. She will be considered an insidious homemaker who built happiness on someone else's grief. Relationships are affected by other negative factors:

  • The difference in views, interests, worldview, characteristic of representatives of different generations.
  • Negative attitude relatives of the girl, especially her father.
  • The youth and sexual attractiveness of a companion is a subject for jealousy of an elderly husband.

Permissible age difference

The situation is considered optimal when a man is 5-8 years older. Such a couple does not differ from the union of peers: they have common hobbies, similar values. The age advantage only compensates for the early psychological maturity of a woman to create a family.

The difference of 8-12 years is also not a problem with mutual respect and the desire to make concessions. Relationships can be complicated only by various addictions to leisure activities. Get ready that the offer to “light up in a nightclub” will not delight a 40+ gentleman. A smart girl prefers to "grow up" a bit to fit habitual way the life of your chosen one.

Big difference in age

When the age difference is 13-16 years, the partners already belong to different generations. Despite the obvious discrepancy of interests, such a man will not leave, slamming the door after a quarrel. Life experience will tell him a peaceful way to overcome differences. Do not forget that he also expects a willingness to compromise from you. Such families are usually strengthened after the birth of a child, acquiring an unconditional, unifying value.

With a difference of 20 years, the problem of a woman's sexual dissatisfaction is added to the divergence of views. No less acute is her desire to have children. In psychology, the roles in a couple's relationship are built on the principle of "daughter and father." A significant age difference leads to the fact that a man considers his wife an eternal girl, despite her desire to become an adult. Without mutual interest and desire to "invest" in relationships, build strong family fail.

When the lady is older

Society is unequivocally negative about the union of a woman with a younger man. Without going into various details, a mature lady is accused of frivolity, her young companion is accused of selfish intentions. Most often in women elegant age independent adult children. She is free, independent and wants to experience a second youth. Her chosen one is attracted by care, moral support, status and material security.

Relationship Pros

  • Communication with a young partner has a positive effect on female physiology. The aging process slows down and internal energy and interest help to maintain a well-groomed appearance.
  • worldly wisdom an older woman helps smooth out various contradictions and stability in marriage.
  • sex life couples can achieve high harmony. The heyday of sexual activity of men falls on youth, and in many women - in adulthood.

Negative points

  • If the difference is significant, the woman takes a leading position in the relationship, seeks to patronize and overly take care of the young spouse. Such dependence can bother an older man. He will want to be realized as the head of the family, perhaps already in a new marriage.
  • Negative attitude of the husband's parents (mostly mothers), condemnation of close friends. The situation is similar to that when the husband is much older, only the rejection of others is much stronger.
  • People around will involuntarily call the adult companion of a young man “mother” or “ older sister", which is very painful for women's pride.
  • Overcoming jealousy for a young partner is a serious test. The fear that he is cheating and dreaming about a young girl is the eternal companion of wives in an unequal marriage.

The difference can be called acceptable when a woman is 3-5 years older. A small difference is leveled if the partner looks young, energetic. With large age differences, the well-being of the union is threatened by the loss of a woman's sexual attractiveness and the possibility of bearing a child.

Opinion of astrologers

"Unequal" age marriage is considered in various teachings. For example, in Kabbalah it is considered normal for a husband to be 10 or more years older than his wife. This is largely due to national characteristics And historical traditions. Unlike the psychology of relationships, the astrological forecast of a couple operates with a detailed age gradation.

  • Couples with a difference of 1-3 years. The difference is small, but it already introduces some nuances that are noticeable in young unions. Even if the boy is older, the girl will feel psychologically more mature and play the role of a lead partner. Harmony can be achieved if a man does not resist the desire to dominate. Relationships are adversely affected by various financial and domestic difficulties, as well as the rejection of relatives.

  • 4-6 years old. Marriages are considered stable in astrology. Even after parting, spouses are able to maintain civilized relations, which is especially important in the presence of children.
  • 7-9 years old. Couples with such a difference in age are not common, as their life cycles diverge. If the partners managed to reach an understanding, they can count on a calm and harmonious relationship.
  • 10-13 years old. The combination is unstable, balancing on the verge of strong emotions and opposites. In such a marriage, you will not be bored, but there is a high probability of divorce. A joint business or hobby will help keep the couple from breaking up.
  • 15-20 years. If love arises despite a big difference in age, it has a special magnetism and borders on admiration. The couple has many chances to maintain warm, friendly feelings. If one of the partners pursues mercantile goals, discord is inevitable. It will happen when the opposite side is convinced of the insincerity of feelings.

  • Over 20 years. Such marriages are not uncommon among wealthy and extraordinary personalities. Apart from financial well-being spiritual soil is the key to the success of the union. If the spouses do not have the basis for a “high” relationship, separation cannot be avoided.

Test: "Will the relationship of a couple with an age difference be successful"

Try to look with an open mind at various aspects of the relationship. The prognosis of marriages between spouses of unequal age depends on the answers to the following questions:

  • How much serious intentions partners, what lies at their basis - family values or random romantic connection?
  • Are the man and woman satisfied emotionally and physically? Do they remain faithful?
  • Are the couple ready to overcome the various difficulties associated with social stigma?
  • How are relations with relatives of partners developing?

If the majority of answers are positive, the strength of the union is not a concern. Otherwise, it is difficult to vouch for its stability.

Whatever psychologists, astrologers and other experts promise you, listen to inner voice. Problems cannot be avoided in any relationship, it is important how the couple is ready to overcome them. People around should understand that it is wrong to condemn happy unions only because of the difference in age. Such stereotypes often become the stumbling block when partners themselves lose faith in the depth of their feelings. remember, that true love not only all ages are submissive, but also all obstacles.