I am the biggest dork you will ever (not) meet

[TheoSqua]

youngest age to date = half your age + 7

I guess the way the younger people get interested in older people is they take your forumla and reverse it: oldest age to date = double your age - 7.

Although to get the same age difference both ways you'd have to do AGE/.666 - 7.

[clement]

Why do people freak out about other pairs of people dating exactly who they want to date, regardless of age or other factors?

[Radbird]

Why do people freak out about other pairs of people dating exactly who they want to date, regardless of age or other factors?

I had that very discussion with Mrs. Rad after our daughter told us one of best friends, who we've known since she was 11, is gay and the fallout she's getting from family and friends. I have no answer for you, but it does indeed happen.

[planet planet]

I've been exposed to it ever since my grandmother called us the only "normal" family (meaning marrying someone within a few years age difference), since my dad's two brothers married people 13 and 16 years younger than them. The 16 yr. differential couple are now divorced, but friendly.

[docellis]

Well, I don't think anyone was freaking out about age differences.

But, I do think if you are looking seriously for someone to grow old with you probably want that person to have a higher likelihood of spending that same time span together.

If you're not looking seriously for someone to grow old with then it doesn't really matter who you bump uglies with, I guess.

[tothebeach08]

My first date out of the box after 16 years happened this past weekend. I knew he was younger but I found out he actually lied to me about how "old" he is. I thought he was 10 years younger, turns out he is 14 years younger. He had no clue how to be a gentlemen. Guess I qualify as a cougar to the GRB cougar grading board.

[clement]

Well, I don't think anyone was freaking out about age differences.

But, I do think if you are looking seriously for someone to grow old with you probably want that person to have a higher likelihood of spending that same time span together.

I'm sure that's a consideration for many, along with dozens of other things to look for. The perfect mate (in my opinion) doesn't exist. You have to find one that fits as many criteria that you have. My main point is that what any person's criteria is isn't necessarily the criteria of the next person.

After my parents divorced, my Dad got together with a woman that was 19 years younger than him. They were a great couple together. Their demeanor and interests were much more aligned than in his marriage to my Mom. From my side of things I felt comfort in knowing that she would likely be around with him as he settled into his old age. Sadly, she died about a year ago from breast cancer at age 59. Now my Dad is alone after spending his past 25 years with this woman. Life is very unpredictable.

I wasn't pointing fingers at you or anyone specifically, but just generically making a comment. I'm sure there are many people here who either have been or are involved in relationships (not just sex) with people older or younger than themselves. Nobody wants to be called creepy, especially if they aren't creepy. In my life I've dated people >10 years older than me and >10 years younger than me. For me, age is not a primary consideration when it comes to looking for a partner.

[docellis]

I was only inferring that people that seek an age group much different than there own (younger or older) consistently probably have some introspection needed.

I know that I hate finding out someone I am attracted to is way younger than me.

But I know you weren't pointing fingers at me.

[clement]

I was only inferring that people that seek an age group much different than there own (younger or older) consistently probably have some introspection needed.

Maybe. Maybe not. For some it's just about physical attraction. This is complex stuff that we really don't know much about how it works. You could go to a psychiatrist and he/she could tell you a lot of bull about what caused your attractions (I'm reminded of the Simpsons episode when a psychiatrist helps Marge discover the cause of her fear of flying ). What if someone is exclusively attracted to blondes? Or blacks? Or chubby people? Or hairless? Orrrrrrr .... people who are exactly the same age, race, body type, and ethnicity as themselves?

I know that I hate finding out someone I am attracted to is way younger than me.

Let the introspection begin.

[planet planet]

I once had a good guy friend from college who lived in Denver with me swear that for longevity purposes, you needed to find someone of similar socio-economic background. I thought he was superficially nuts at the time, but similar values/upbringing does seem to smooth out the highs and lows of a long term relationship. Really, I think it's a matter of valuing or placing a high priority on things that are a high priority for the other person.