The issue of age differences in couple relationships has been a topic of concern and followed by criticism, especially living in a country like mine, where there are certain not voiced but noted perceptions about a young man not marrying an older lady and a young girl not marrying a man old enough to be her father, the question remains how important is the factor of age difference when it comes to love?
These days we see couples no longer giving a damn about what the society thinks about them and just go ahead and marry who they love and want to spend the rest of their lives with, not minding the age difference, but of you look closely, there is always something they benefit before taking this decision, mostly monetary benefits, living the extravagant, lifestyle even though they don't get happiness from other aspect, that sole reason alone is enough happiness for them, so who are we to judge what anyone wants for themselves, personally, , if I was asked this same question a decade ago, I won't think twice before answering a younger guy with close age bracket, but my personal experience and seeing marriages around me has thought me that that age difference doesn't determine how happy you will be in a marriage and the society today is gradually accepting this real truth, a young Nigerian celebrity comes to mind who got married to a man even older than her father, she was slammed for getting married to an old man because of his wealth, but so far she seems happy and even those that got married to spouse within their age bracket still end unhappy due to other vices.
My point is age or not, just get married to someone you are proud of whether young or old, yes, physical attraction is important too, but do not let that be your sole purpose fir marriage, marriage is more than love as well, as you would get challenged with so many problems, get married to someone that can be there for you and you got them through thick and thin, if an older person makes you feel this way go for him or her, and if it's someone within your age bracket, do same too, don't let anyone make you feel like you are doing the wrong thing, just be sincere in your heart that they are who you truly care for and want to spend the rest of your life with. The society can say all, but at the end of the day, it is your life, choose what works for for you.
Although people with other perspectives have their concerns which is true to some extent, age might be an important factor in relationship compatibility, but of course, it is only one of many such factors. As long as the couples keep communication open, understand each other's differences, and also tolerate each other, having the goal of happiness, it is sure going to work. The element of age should not be stressed as much when you are building your relationship with the other party, instead, the shared values, goals, and interests should be stressed. Yes, age is but a mere numeral figure, it is the people that matter, not their age, so the relationship’s success does not depend on the latter factor. Instead, emotional compatibility, communication, values, and respect are better predictors of the relationship’s success than the age difference between partners.
Last but not least, love, as a material yet as an intangible feeling, knows no rules to go by. In this regard, one must understand that age can act as a factor that affects the relationship between two people but at the same time cannot predetermine it.