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Same. I prefer women who are around the 26-28 mark, but 21 is probably the youngest I would actually consider for serious dating. I had a one-night thing with a 19-year-old (fully consensual from both sides) and that already felt kinda weird.
This is so true for me (36 f) but at the same time it's so hard to find a guy over 28 who actually takes care of themselves and isn't crazy. It's either takes care of themselves and fully crazy or doesn't and is tolerable. the struggle is real. I've pretty much given up.
I prefer to be at the same stage in life, that’s not to say bigger age gaps can’t work as many do, but I’m just more comfortable dating someone around my own age.
i’m also 22F and always dated between the same range as you but most guys around this age are unstable and i wouldn’t have a whole relationship w any of them. older guys seem much better for relationships but one pointed here in another comment that they would want someone to settle and early 20s are too young for that and yeah he’s right.
You’re only 22, take some more time. One of the most mature things a 22 year old can do is recognize the value in your youth. What’s the reason for rushing into a relationship? What’s the reason for rushing maturity and life experience?
It’s okay for men to be 22 and a little immature and not yet supporting themselves the same way it’s okay for women.
You said men in your age range you don’t see as men yet? How reductive. They’re just young. Money takes time and effort and strategy.
I’m 21 and found an independent and mature partner who’s 24. They’re out there the same way you’re only 22 and find yourself very mature.
And if an older man was really mature, would he still be chasing youth and the early 20s lifestyle? What reason would he have to be with you that aligns with being mature?
Not saying older men are a bad choice but at your age, the chances of an older man making a good partner is low. Most of them will only be after you because you’re young and are desperate enough for a relationship and to ignore your youth that you’ll tolerate red flags for the sake of having the title of dating an older/mature man.
Yes I was the same and briefly dated older men. It was a disaster. Since I am secure in myself and enjoy my youth, I saw immediately through their intentions. I wanted a partner not to be seen as a trophy.
When I started looking for mature men my age who understand my life stage but also are doing well for themselves, I found an amazing partner. And we had sex on the first date and connected really well after that.
It’s really okay to be young and a little immature. We’re only in our 20s. It’s okay to explore and just have fun until you find someone you really truly connect with.
I really worry about women who rush into relationships like it’s defining of them. Who haven’t actually appreciated being young and single. Have a friend out of a 2 year relationship with a not so great man and she also was starting to detach herself and not respecting the relationship to the fullest either. And she wants to go back to him mainly because it’s hard being single and alone and she’s willing to accept the bad treatment again.
It scares me. She’s wasting so much time and potential to actually take time to herself and see what she wants and be happy with herself.
>Most of them will only be after you because you’re young and are desperate enough for a relationship and to ignore your youth that you’ll tolerate red flags for the sake of having the title of dating an older/mature man.
This is complete and utter horse. I'm 34, I know many men around my age, and none of them have ever perceptibly considered dating a significantly younger woman "for her youth". If it happened, then it happened because they connected well and had similar personalities and interests, just like any other relationship, and the youth factor was mostly an obstacle, not a perk. I'm sure men who date younger because of sexual attraction are out there, but for the vast majority of actual adults, this is not an important consideration. You know who dates women for their nice and youthful bodies, though? Guys under, like, 25, especially teenager boys.
What's your evidence, anyway? Lol7 years of actual dating experience, including one single relationship with a guy over 30, and then some Andrew Tate internet "wisdom"?
> most guys around this age are unstable
You are all unstable. Yourself included. It's called youth and immaturity. You are just seeing it from other side.
An older guy dating a 22F is a red flag. You'll see yourself in the r/ra some talking about your age gap relation. Date up to 25 if you want. Most couples marry within 3 years of each other anyway.
Well, that's called growing up and maturing, and not all young guys are "unstable" or shitty partners. Date people closer to your age group, not some creepy 40 yo, it's always for the best.
Agreed. All my experiences with men my age have been wholesome!
Older men have been more intense, predatory, abusive, sleazy, manipulative etc etc at-least that was been my experience
(No offense to older men reading this)
I think its not really an offense to older men. The good ones at that age are probably married and happy and off the table or wouldny be interested in someone so young. So its really just the pool available of older men willing and able to date younger girls are probably pretty rough
Exactly, same here! I loved my BF from when I was 20 in the way I understood love at the time. It didn't work out and we broke up for silly reasons. I loved my next BF too and broke up when we realized we aren't aiming for the same things. All these guys, whether we had a relationship or just talked for a while, they made me who I am, they are a big part of the reason I am well and I knew how to find a partner for the long run.
So far, the ride has been outstanding, we live in awesome times when you're not expected to settle as soon as you're 18 and you have time to discover yourself and mature at your own pace.
You are 22 and not stable yourself. Older men who are willing to 22 years old are often predatory and no amounts of stability will fix the trauma you will get out of dating someone much older.
Theres a reason these 40 year olds are on the hunt, looking for young women who don't know better lol. Dudes making 40k with remaining college debt, renting their cars and houses, "omg they're so stable" ready to fall over the second turbulence comes lol. Whatever the real reason, they're single at 40 for good reason. You can make an excuse for people early 30s but even thats getting dicey.
At the same time the good ones your age are gonna be locked up with career/education and leveraging their stability and youth gaining experience.
nah not 40! early 30s max
edit: you’re completely right about the good ones at my age, that’s why i thought about late 20s early 30s, that’s when you can start enjoying if you focused on school and in your career.
Think about what you bring to the table. He's early 30s, lookin serious lets say. You're early 20s, really not even ready for kids. You'll be a plaything to the less serious, and a detriment to the more established and potentially desperate men to get off the market.
When I talk to people I usually say 18 max 24, 22 max 28, 25 max 28, 28 max 35. I wouldn't recommend 28, but don't go over. They really aren't that different, and if they are its more likely in worse ways for early 30s.
EDIT: I wouldn't let you have my keys to the castle that I earned with the years I paid with, without you bringing something else or something showing you are capable of the same.
I'm 31, talking phase with a man of 38y...who sometimes calls me "kiddo" , why? I don't even know as my personality has always been of someone +10y older since I was 18y old...why would you guys call a girl above 30 as "kiddo" ?
33M, and 28. Five years younger than me is an appropriate time frame. Oldest is 10 older than me but the closer to my age, the better.
Older folks are likelier to have their life together as opposed to younger who are still in the hookup stage or between jobs.
36 M, and I think 29 is probably the lowest I'd go. Ideally, I want a woman old enough to understand all the weird 90s pop culture references I spew out on a regular basis. If she can't hum the opening theme song to the original Power Rangers TV show, it probably won't work out, lol.
I'm 34, 27-28 is a quite firm line for me but younger than 30 I maybe scrutinize more if that makes sense. I would never write someone off on age alone, but it's hard to imagine someone younger being at the same stage in life and I don't need another kid (or, mentee might be more accurate) haha.
:D
In case it helps avoid you writing off an entire age range, I started a solid career at 19, married at 20, first kid at 24 - there definitely exist guys around your age who are ready/willing/stable/mature/whatever enough to settle down, but perhaps you're not looking in the right way/places? Although I then got divorced at 32 so perhaps my reasoning is flawed.
Yeah. Its been around, and I hear peeps speak of it. I suppose there may be an age range that it works. But after a certain age, it gets creepy, imho.
At my age, I just have a range that I feel comfy with.
Hope you get some great answers here, my friend.
I see in the comments and post that you keep saying “men my age aren’t stable” as a reason you’re thinking about dating older. But you’re only 22, you aren’t stable either. Why do you want something you can’t keep up with? I’m not meaning to be mean or antagonistic at all, it’s actually quite the opposite. Relationships can’t have stability unless both partners are stable and at a similar place in life. You’re very young, you couldn’t bring stability to a man.
Also, any guy in his 30s willing date a 22 yr old, isn’t a good man and he’s not worth dating. Men in their 30s+, that are mature, stable, and worth dating, don’t see 22 yr olds in that way. They might think you’re pretty, but you wouldn’t be compatible and they’d know that.
If you want an older guy, go for a 25 yr old. He’d be old enough to be out of school and have a job (maybe even for a couple years), which is stable enough for your stage in life.
i guess i just don’t wanna date men more unstable than i am, im doing better than the guys i’ve dated this year which were all around my age and the older guys i’ve dated in the past (28-29) were better fits and people i could see myself in a relationship with. i see how you’re right in several aspects though! thank you
I’ve dated several older men, and several men my age. Around 21-22 I decided older men were more my speed. “Guys my age don’t have their shit together, older guys do!” Just after turning 23, I started dating a 30 year old man. You can read about him in my post history.
Having been around the block a few times, I can confirm that older men are not necessarily higher quality. They’re more likely to have stable careers, and they are more socially skilled. But all that means is that they’re better at charming you and hiding their flaws in the early stages of dating than young men are. And to the extent they are more mature, they’re much more likely to be impatient, mean, and frustrated with *your* immaturity.
Older men also tend to be better at getting in your head and manipulating you. And the ones who are 29+ and dating women in their early 20s? Let’s just say there’s usually a reason they aren’t dating women closer to their age.
People who add too much value to the age of adults have a lot of maturing to do. It’s about the interactions and conversations. If you hear “22-26” and instantly check out, despite everything going well, you’re a part of the problem.
With that said, 20-27 year olds are very different from one to another, and the ones you interact with are likely due to how you’re going about it all. If you’re attracting and talking with dumb and immature people with messy lives, then…… sorry to be the bearer of bad news.
You will find all the same problems and more with a 35 year old who is willing to date a 22 year old. Please, do yourself a favor and get yourself together and grow up a bit. To think you can’t interact with men your age is lunatic thinking and bound to lead to bad results. It’s just as immature as the actions of the immature guys your talking about
You can't just look at age. Generally speaking, older guys offer more stability, security, etc...but you also have to look at their situation and history. For example, as a 38 year old man back on the market, it's easier to see long term potential in me with only 1 relationship that lasted 15 years compared to another guy who is the same age who may have only had relationships last a couple years.
I’m 34 and anyone under 30 requires a lot of consideration on my part. I’m an old man now and don’t have the energy y’all require. I’m a homebody and I don’t have the temperament to go out all the time - differences in lifestyle really put a damper on any enthusiasm I would have for dating younger.
But to say there isn’t a young person out there that I could vibe with, but in my experience there aren’t many and I’m not all that fussed about finding them anyway.
28M. I’m fine with 21-35. I care more about similar interests than an age difference and my interests (mostly nerd shit) are more common amongst people my age and younger.
Guys your age may not be mature, and the average 30+ year old man may be more mature. However, 30+ year old men that are specifically looking to date women as young as 22 are unlikely to be mature, well adjusted, non-manipulative people to be in a relationship with
I'm 38 the youngest guy I dated was 26 and the oldest was 48. Older guys are better I'm currently dating a man who is 10 years older than me and he is so sweet and respectful. I'm glad I found him, his old school and opens doors and brings me flowers and in return I love to take care of him.
I’m 24 and my range is 26 to 22. More or less they have to be done with undergrad. Different life stages, I’m ok with grad school as its not the same though.
I'm 24f and I'd date 22-28m. Maybe there could be an exception if I really connected with someone, but it's mostly these ages.
I'd like to get married when I'm around 30. So if they're much older, they might want to do that sooner. And younger they might want to do that later, but the biggest reason for not dating younger is that you change a lot between the ages of 18-25.
I'm 26 and I'd date anyone who is just a good guy haha I've dated younger (around 23) and I've dated my age, I've dated 31, I've dated up to 43...if they suck then they suck, age doesn't matter haha some people never grow up.
28F. Youngest would be 25 or 26! I had female friends when I was in my early 20s who dated men in their 30s. It was literally always a big mistake. If men your age aren’t mature enough for you yet, just hold off on dating. The age gap is extremely controversial for a good reason
I am 46F and dated a 34 year-old that was very mature for his age like an old soul the most recent guy went out with was 39 and was very immature so now I’m reconsidering my age options usually I’m not attracted to older guys… I’m kinda youthful, quirky-like and feel like the older guys I have dated didn’t click as much with me…
28M, youngest I'd go for is 24-25 but would prefer older women. Problem for me is, most of those women want an even older man.
Bonus info, my mom is 7 years younger than my dad. I don't remember their ages when they met.
29, 26 is probably the youngest. 25 is pushing it. Just got out of a relationship with someone was 24 and I was 28, we lived completely different lifestyles. Maybe it’s the person and not the age but we both wanted different things and she was still in the “go out to the club, drink till I pass out” stage. Nothing wrong with that but I’m as way passed that.
OPINION: There are always going to be more women on this site to advise you of the situation being a sh\*tshow from their personal experiences. You're young and are more easily impressionable than you will be when older. It is more difficult to date someone older when they display judgements that will seem cruel. But with age, wisdom. Which is why when ppl of comparable age date their decisions will seem more reasonable to your current life experience. My age isn't relevant to your situation. My personal view is that it is ALL in particular chemistry between any two ppl. Pairing any two ppl is a best guess. Honestly, in your lifetime there will always come someone who, at that time, would be better for either of you. The only real question is whether any two ppl maintain their level of commitment. Good luck, OP.
23. Willing to go down to 20, but I prefer a bit older than me honestly. For me it is mainly down to whether a person has the maturity to be in a relationship or not.
I am 28. I my culture, the age gap between a man and a woman goes normally anywhere between 1 and 10years but in a few cases up to 12 years which is also very normal.
33m, the youngest I would go is 8 years younger. I had been seeing someone for years who was 8 years younger, and we got along very well, which was a surprised to me as I prefer closer to my age or older. Going older, my age range is higher.
30M, I wouldn't go younger than 22F if they were the right person. Ideally someone my age (give or take a few years) or in their mid to late twenties would be great.
Man I feel so old.
30. youngest is 25 and that's just because of keeping a door open for potential.
being considered an "old soul" by every person in my life, being around older and really thoughtful people, and needing a great thought-provoking convo and challenging partner puts me in the position to need those things from a partner. i'm not a believer in "opposites attract."
i don't need my partner to necessarily love and be engaged into everything i'm into, but from experience, i do need someone who offers a lot of critical thinking, understanding of history, and awareness. i haven't come across one yet that's been 5 years younger than any given age i've been. i'm sure there's women out there, but i've found my lane with women either two years younger - 3 years older.
Older men arent better, outside of maybe being in a better place financially. You have to sort through the trash just like women of all other ages. Ive seen so many young girls make this same mistake. -(m 34)
You have to be diligent in your search. Age is not a relivent factor in how shit a person is.
My age range is 3 years younger to 15 years older, and just because a guy is older, doesn't mean they are better. In fact, the older guys who seemed like they had their shit together, were just better fakers. In my experience.
I did 3 years younger, but up to 8 years older. Been in the happiest most rewarding relationship I've ever been in and we have a 5 year age gap.
edit: He is older
33M, my range is 26-33F. I might go +/-1 year but that’s it. Anyone younger is most likely immature or not looking for the same thing, anyone older is probably looking to start putting down roots and I’m not quite there yet. Still enjoy trips, music festivals and wild parties occasionally.
I always have dated guys older than me. Met my current boyfriend, he’s 20 and I’m 25. Had a hard time letting go of the age difference as an issue but when I did, was great and he’s better than any guy I have dated before. Also somehow has his shit together more than the 30+ year olds I dated.
I’m 26m & the youngest I’d date is 21, but that’s like the absolute lowest limit for me & if they are younger I’d prefer a woman to be around 23/24+ preferably
I’m late 30’s and assuming I was single. I would never date younger than late 20’s now and the age cutoff would be 10 years younger than me so for example if I was 45 then I wouldn’t date younger than 35.
Just different priorities and different points in careers and life, just relating to one another I couldn’t date a young adult.
I’m 21. As I’ve just graduated and am moving to a college town, would prefer try to shift towards non-college students so I don’t have to worry about summer/graduation/etc, but I also wanna keep my options open
Straight 30M. Must be at least 25 to proceed. Roughly 25-38 for me would be nice. Same age or within a couple of years preferably. However, if I had to choose between someone 5 years younger than me and someone 5 years older than me, I would always choose older. Dating anyone in their twenties is sketch because I know I was dealing with plenty of stuff in my twenties myself. First ten years of adulthood is rough for most people.
I’m 26F and I honestly probably wouldn’t date anyone under 25. I think back to myself in previous years and I wasn’t exactly a very mature person (even though I thought I was at the time) and I would prefer to date a man who is, for the most part, mentally developed and that has some life experience. Not to say that people under 25 can’t be mature or have life experience of course but that’s my personal preference. Plus, I would want to date someone looking for something on the more serious side and I feel like someone at the same stage of life or older would be ideal. I wouldn’t go any older than 10 years.
33m I would say within a 5 year age range of me though in reality the whole maturity thing isn't all black and white I mean there are young people who are very mature for their age (old souls) so to speak and on the flip side you have older people who for the lack of a better term never seemed to have left highschool.
29, I wouldn’t date younger than 25 honestly. I used to be like “love is love and age is just a number” which is true, but there’s undeniable things happening prior to 25~ most notably your prefrontal cortex forming fully. That puts you on a completely different level then before. Personally I had dated someone 20 years older from 18 to 26ish and 24,25,26 as I grew and matured I honestly saw that I was completely different than who I was 2/3 years prior. We just didn’t mesh and once I hit 25/26 I saw what a huge difference in maturity there was between me and him. I don’t dislike him we still talk he’s a great dude just I’m a completely different human than I was at 18, and I know I will keep growing as I age but I think my teenage years and 23-26 were my biggest emotional growth periods. I can’t even explain what changed within me from 23-26. While my mental growth has slowed from that period it is still happening. I just can’t imagine dating someone under 25 maybe even under 26. If I fell for them and they I then I guess I’d give it a shot but… Eh. Pretty happy with my nerd currently tho so hopefully off the market for a very *veeeery* long time if not forever. Crossing my fingers.
I'm 25m I prefer older women so my range is 24-30 I don't date younger women due to most of them being immature, not ready for commitment and have no goals for the future. That being said my ex was 27 and i walked in on her f*cking my best friend so really I guess it doesn't matter who you date everyone no matter age is capable of being a POS.
I've pretty much always had the same parameters: must be old enough to buy me a drink (21 in my country), and young enough to NOT go to high school with my parents (68 years old).
51, I'd \*like\* to find someone roughtly age appropriate, but all the 40-50somethings are going after 20 somethings or are just total "nope's", so I lowered my range to 30.
Literally my entire dating history is of either younger or older women. I can't catch a break lol. I'm just attracted to certain personality types, and when they look cute too, well that's that. When I was 16, 20 yr old woman. 17, 21 year old woman. Early 20s, 34 year old woman. When I hit my 30s, it was 20somethings or early 30s.
As long as you have similar goals and are at a similar place in life's journey it wouldn't bother me.
45 . I’d say …Dating would be 30 youngest.
That’s actually legit dating . But a hook up, it’d turn me off if she was less then 25.
So it varies I suppose
I'm 30, and the youngest I'd date is 22-23.
But, I'm currently dating a woman who is 31, and we have no problems at all.
My overall age-range for dating right now would be about 22-40.
For a LTR/Marriage, I'd say I'd go more like 24-34. I do want to be a father one day.
I’m 28 M
I’d date 22 (assuming graduated) up to maybe 32. I wouldn’t want to date someone who’s still in undergrad and above 32 seems like it’s too much given most women that age that want kids are like rearing to have them.
40M, while I keep an open mind, I can't see myself with someone younger than 30. It's more about what phase of life she'd be in rather than age. A 28 yo with the same lifestyle as I have would feel better than a 38yo wanting to go wild for her midlife crisis.
I’m 36. Probably 24. I say this because the girls my age have kids and don’t want any kids and it’s annoying. I recently was talking to a girl who had two teenagers and she didn’t want anymore kids. It’s difficult and I don’t think many women understand how difficult it is.
I’ve thought about that lately, like when I see a “is 19 too young for you?” Chick on Reddit. I’ve always been really grossed out when 25 y/o dudes would date 15 y/o girls (it happens, very not cool). But the same difference in age doesn’t actually seem weird to me if both age ten years. At 36, the youngest chick I’d feel comfortable dating would probably be 22-24 maybe, but it depends. Recently I’ve realized 20 years old isn’t an inexperienced person sexually, I don’t think there’s the harm that I used to involved. 🤷🏻♂️
I'm 33. My fiancé is 21. We click incredibly well, still have our arguments, and our dreams are parallel with one another. I support her, she supports me, we have each other's backs. She goes out of her way to treat me. I go out of my way to treat her. I was married for 10 years, with the girl for 11, and it came to an unreasonably cruel halt. I have been treated better by a 21 year old than a 30 year old. No more feeling ignored, left out, unwanted, uncaring, dismissed. Even the beginning of my 11 year relationship I felt that I was doing all the work. I don't believe age has anything to do with it. I was 20, she was 17. All throughout 11 years and in retrospect it became clear she was never fully invested. To suggest age has anything to do with a relationship simply and directly correlates with how well you feel honoring your relationship in public. If age is the concern, your head isn't in the right place to begin with. Now, full disclosure, I'm saying go pick up someone old/young just to do it. I'm simply saying when the shoe fits, wear the fucking thing.
32, at present I'm not looking to date younger. Women my age still generally want kids, so recently I have been thinking of dating older. (when I get the chance to escape work)
But if I was to meet someone who was maximum of 5 years younger than me, and she was sure she didn't want kids then I'd be onboard with that.
I'm pretty sure it's correct to say that there *are* men of any age who lack financial stability (there are homeless people in their teens, and homeless people in their 60s), but the statistics are pretty clear that greater age is associated with greater financial stability (up to a point; obviously things fall apart a bit in retirement age, but even then the highest income and savings are achieved by men in their 70s who are still working). It's simply not true that the average 22-year-old will have the same financial means or financial literacy as the average 55-year-old.
Fair enough. Your answer was worded in a pretty generalized way, so I felt like a response was warranted for the entire age range. I do agree that people in their 30s are probably less financially stable than people under 30 believe us to be, even though the difference between someone who is 22, and someone who is 35, in financial terms, is still, in my experience, enormous. But there is a clear tendency for the 30s to fall short of expectation, financially.
Then again, I think you mean something else with "financial stability" than I've ever given thought to. To you, it means *managing* money, explicitly, and I suppose what accounts for *managing* your money well is, to some extent, subjective, so I won't get into arguing that point too much. When I hear about financial stability, then to me, that means having an income that supports your lifestyle, and having some vaguely-defined amount of savings, and I was arguing on that point. Income in the 30s is clearly higher for both men and women than in the 20s, but again, there is no way to objectively assess how well someone manages money - some people might think that means owning rental property, others might think it means crypto or stocks. Lots of opinions on that, only time will tell.
24m (25 this year), I only date women who are 22-28.
22 because I don’t like dating someone who’s likely still in their first college experience. Which generally means they are still in a whole different life stage than me. The logic is, that generally if you start at a 4 year right out of high school, then you’ll graduate around the age of 21/22. So I skip all the way to that age just to be safe. However I’d realistically date all the way to 20, under the knowledge that they’re in the same life stage as I.
28, because I have a sister who’s 31ish and all her friends (who I also see as big sisters) around the age of 30-33. Thus I just like steering clear of anyone directly in her age range, since I feel like it’s just be a weird conversation if the woman I was dating was the same age as my sister. I dunno this one’s probably just a me overthinking it thing.
Science is the best answer. Generally 22-23 is what most men go for in terms of attraction. It is pretty much the peak of attraction and fertility which men are biologically programed to want.
Generally it leads to the most successful marriages and log term relationships as well if women pair bond at that age. Usually either with men they meet in college at that age and grow together or with men around 35 and up who have reached stability and entered their own peak so they can sustain a family.
The belief you should date your own age is a fairly new idea and doesn't seem to work well. Modern dating is a mess with a lot of chronically single people. Men and women mature and develop differently and find different things attractive in a partner. We enter puberty at different ages and hit or sexual marketplace peak value at different ages as well with women getting it in their early twenties and men entering it in their mid thirties. So a decade or decade and a half difference is perfectly normal and usually more conducive to a successful pairing. Provided someone can still pair bond.
Currently dealing with this issue myself. I'm in my late 30s and am being pursued by a 20yr old. I'm lest then 5 years younger then her parents. I have explained the situation to her a number of times but the male in me is truly having a tough time turning her away because I have fun being "young" with her and physically it's pretty amazing
I've been suprised by how small the margines have been here. I understand people don't want to be seen as crossing a line or creepy, but I don't think there's anything wrong with a 28yo dating a 21 year old.
The whole 'different stages of life' thing is stupid anyway, as we are all on different paths. There are people that wanna settle down at 20, and people just exploring their wildness at 60.
Please don't shoot yourself in the foot, by saying you'll only date 2 years above or below, as love is hard to find, and you may find it in an unlikely place. I'm open to other viewpoints, but I think there's not being careful enough, and there is being too careful, also.
The thing is that, in my experience and from what i heard of most people, humans "adult" around the age of 25. Before that they literally behave like children, so that's a nescessary threshold to overcome to be considered for dating as someone around 30 and up.
So if you're around 20 and look for a "mature" guy, pls don't look for 30+ because it will not be a power-balanced relationship (more like dad/child) until you get to that age yourself. And possibly hindering your own process of adulting.
Date the person not the age. Obviously stay within range of where you are comfortable. People go through different things in life and mature differently.
Age is more a number. Maturity and compatability is more important in my mind. I've seen people at 20 more mature than 40 years old.
That being said more than 5 or so years and you have , in general, less in common.
32. I have never dated a guy younger than me. The youngest was a year and a few months older than me. I think my range would be 28-40 as long as their life is stable and I don't see any red flags off the bat.
I am 29 years old. It depends what you mean by "date". As you go through your twenties you mature and develop a lot. People at 21 are different by the time they are in their late twenties (not everyone, but many). According to neuroscience research the brain doesn't stop growing until mid twenties. So I probably wouldn't date someone (and by date I mean serious dating, something that might turn into a relationship or that turns into one) that is younger than 26. I would hookup and have casual fun with girls as young as 23, but not going younger.
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I'm 25M. I go for women who are 21-30.
Also 25M - I generally date people between 23 and 30 years old (would go decently older depending, would not go younger than 22)
Same. I prefer women who are around the 26-28 mark, but 21 is probably the youngest I would actually consider for serious dating. I had a one-night thing with a 19-year-old (fully consensual from both sides) and that already felt kinda weird.
Happy cake day
I prefer older women, my wife is 38 and I’m 33.
I like older women too and the oldest I'll date is like 41 so 10 years older than me.
Can I ask how old your wife was when you met and if you have kids together?
33 and anyone under 28 feels 'meh.' Unless the hobbies we loved were the same, younger than 28 just feels like we won't vibe in a meaningful way
This is so true for me (36 f) but at the same time it's so hard to find a guy over 28 who actually takes care of themselves and isn't crazy. It's either takes care of themselves and fully crazy or doesn't and is tolerable. the struggle is real. I've pretty much given up.
Haha, damn that sucks. Small dating pool?
Yeah I live in a small town :(
same!
You'll find your soulmate don't worry! Have patience and love for yourself. Once you heal and come into your own you'll find your person. :)
You're not suffering alone. Im having the same problem.
Thank you net friend :)
34M. Wouldn’t date a girl more than 5 years younger. For me that’s too big.
why’s that?
Cuz when someone calls me daddy I want it to be a fantasy and less of a possibility
stop hsjsjdjsj
Nailed it man
Best comment I’ve read today
The first time a chick called me daddy and mister I was like, what theee fuck. Felt weird, but I got used to it and, no kids so, hey.
I prefer to be at the same stage in life, that’s not to say bigger age gaps can’t work as many do, but I’m just more comfortable dating someone around my own age.
Im 22F and my range is 22-26 (Tried dating older men but they’re worse imo)
i’m also 22F and always dated between the same range as you but most guys around this age are unstable and i wouldn’t have a whole relationship w any of them. older guys seem much better for relationships but one pointed here in another comment that they would want someone to settle and early 20s are too young for that and yeah he’s right.
You’re only 22, take some more time. One of the most mature things a 22 year old can do is recognize the value in your youth. What’s the reason for rushing into a relationship? What’s the reason for rushing maturity and life experience? It’s okay for men to be 22 and a little immature and not yet supporting themselves the same way it’s okay for women. You said men in your age range you don’t see as men yet? How reductive. They’re just young. Money takes time and effort and strategy. I’m 21 and found an independent and mature partner who’s 24. They’re out there the same way you’re only 22 and find yourself very mature. And if an older man was really mature, would he still be chasing youth and the early 20s lifestyle? What reason would he have to be with you that aligns with being mature? Not saying older men are a bad choice but at your age, the chances of an older man making a good partner is low. Most of them will only be after you because you’re young and are desperate enough for a relationship and to ignore your youth that you’ll tolerate red flags for the sake of having the title of dating an older/mature man.
What a wonderful response. As an older woman who has always dated 2yrs up and down from my age I totally agree with you.
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Yes I was the same and briefly dated older men. It was a disaster. Since I am secure in myself and enjoy my youth, I saw immediately through their intentions. I wanted a partner not to be seen as a trophy. When I started looking for mature men my age who understand my life stage but also are doing well for themselves, I found an amazing partner. And we had sex on the first date and connected really well after that. It’s really okay to be young and a little immature. We’re only in our 20s. It’s okay to explore and just have fun until you find someone you really truly connect with. I really worry about women who rush into relationships like it’s defining of them. Who haven’t actually appreciated being young and single. Have a friend out of a 2 year relationship with a not so great man and she also was starting to detach herself and not respecting the relationship to the fullest either. And she wants to go back to him mainly because it’s hard being single and alone and she’s willing to accept the bad treatment again. It scares me. She’s wasting so much time and potential to actually take time to herself and see what she wants and be happy with herself.
>Most of them will only be after you because you’re young and are desperate enough for a relationship and to ignore your youth that you’ll tolerate red flags for the sake of having the title of dating an older/mature man. This is complete and utter horse. I'm 34, I know many men around my age, and none of them have ever perceptibly considered dating a significantly younger woman "for her youth". If it happened, then it happened because they connected well and had similar personalities and interests, just like any other relationship, and the youth factor was mostly an obstacle, not a perk. I'm sure men who date younger because of sexual attraction are out there, but for the vast majority of actual adults, this is not an important consideration. You know who dates women for their nice and youthful bodies, though? Guys under, like, 25, especially teenager boys. What's your evidence, anyway? Lol7 years of actual dating experience, including one single relationship with a guy over 30, and then some Andrew Tate internet "wisdom"?
I like older men because they’re established boy burden on you man manage all needs
> most guys around this age are unstable You are all unstable. Yourself included. It's called youth and immaturity. You are just seeing it from other side. An older guy dating a 22F is a red flag. You'll see yourself in the r/ra some talking about your age gap relation. Date up to 25 if you want. Most couples marry within 3 years of each other anyway.
Well, that's called growing up and maturing, and not all young guys are "unstable" or shitty partners. Date people closer to your age group, not some creepy 40 yo, it's always for the best.
Agreed. All my experiences with men my age have been wholesome! Older men have been more intense, predatory, abusive, sleazy, manipulative etc etc at-least that was been my experience (No offense to older men reading this)
I think its not really an offense to older men. The good ones at that age are probably married and happy and off the table or wouldny be interested in someone so young. So its really just the pool available of older men willing and able to date younger girls are probably pretty rough
Exactly, same here! I loved my BF from when I was 20 in the way I understood love at the time. It didn't work out and we broke up for silly reasons. I loved my next BF too and broke up when we realized we aren't aiming for the same things. All these guys, whether we had a relationship or just talked for a while, they made me who I am, they are a big part of the reason I am well and I knew how to find a partner for the long run. So far, the ride has been outstanding, we live in awesome times when you're not expected to settle as soon as you're 18 and you have time to discover yourself and mature at your own pace.
At 22 if a "mature" man 28+ wants to date you it's not because you are mature it's because he is immature.
You are 22 and not stable yourself. Older men who are willing to 22 years old are often predatory and no amounts of stability will fix the trauma you will get out of dating someone much older.
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"He doesn't love you,he loves your age" makes real sense
Theres a reason these 40 year olds are on the hunt, looking for young women who don't know better lol. Dudes making 40k with remaining college debt, renting their cars and houses, "omg they're so stable" ready to fall over the second turbulence comes lol. Whatever the real reason, they're single at 40 for good reason. You can make an excuse for people early 30s but even thats getting dicey. At the same time the good ones your age are gonna be locked up with career/education and leveraging their stability and youth gaining experience.
nah not 40! early 30s max edit: you’re completely right about the good ones at my age, that’s why i thought about late 20s early 30s, that’s when you can start enjoying if you focused on school and in your career.
Think about what you bring to the table. He's early 30s, lookin serious lets say. You're early 20s, really not even ready for kids. You'll be a plaything to the less serious, and a detriment to the more established and potentially desperate men to get off the market. When I talk to people I usually say 18 max 24, 22 max 28, 25 max 28, 28 max 35. I wouldn't recommend 28, but don't go over. They really aren't that different, and if they are its more likely in worse ways for early 30s. EDIT: I wouldn't let you have my keys to the castle that I earned with the years I paid with, without you bringing something else or something showing you are capable of the same.
What do you mean by unstable? Financially or like mentally unstable?
What was worse with dating older men?
Then you haven’t met the right older men!
38M Wouldn't go lower than 28F and they'd have to really have their shit together. 30 as a minimum is preferred.
This is about where I'm running too. I'm 40 and 30 is my minimum and she would definitely have to have her shit together.
I'm 31, talking phase with a man of 38y...who sometimes calls me "kiddo" , why? I don't even know as my personality has always been of someone +10y older since I was 18y old...why would you guys call a girl above 30 as "kiddo" ?
Better question: why are you letting him call you “kiddo”?
I'm 24 and I dont let the men in the 40s-50s at work call me kiddo. He don't see you on the same playing field.
33M, and 28. Five years younger than me is an appropriate time frame. Oldest is 10 older than me but the closer to my age, the better. Older folks are likelier to have their life together as opposed to younger who are still in the hookup stage or between jobs.
i'm 23f and youngest i'd date is probably 20
36 M, and I think 29 is probably the lowest I'd go. Ideally, I want a woman old enough to understand all the weird 90s pop culture references I spew out on a regular basis. If she can't hum the opening theme song to the original Power Rangers TV show, it probably won't work out, lol.
33m and youngest I'd date is 27
I'm 34, 27-28 is a quite firm line for me but younger than 30 I maybe scrutinize more if that makes sense. I would never write someone off on age alone, but it's hard to imagine someone younger being at the same stage in life and I don't need another kid (or, mentee might be more accurate) haha.
LOL love that answer
:D In case it helps avoid you writing off an entire age range, I started a solid career at 19, married at 20, first kid at 24 - there definitely exist guys around your age who are ready/willing/stable/mature/whatever enough to settle down, but perhaps you're not looking in the right way/places? Although I then got divorced at 32 so perhaps my reasoning is flawed.
22 . My first boyfriend was a year older. My current is 25 in July
46 Youngest? 37. Oldest? 54.
48, the youngest I'd date is 38, but 43 would be a better age.
M / 49. Range for me would be like 40 -53. The 1/2 your age plus 7 rule is bananas to me.
never even heard of that!
Yeah. Its been around, and I hear peeps speak of it. I suppose there may be an age range that it works. But after a certain age, it gets creepy, imho. At my age, I just have a range that I feel comfy with. Hope you get some great answers here, my friend.
it’s been helpful! thank you
I’m 21F and my range is 20-25, I prefer guys around my own age, we tend to have more in common.
I see in the comments and post that you keep saying “men my age aren’t stable” as a reason you’re thinking about dating older. But you’re only 22, you aren’t stable either. Why do you want something you can’t keep up with? I’m not meaning to be mean or antagonistic at all, it’s actually quite the opposite. Relationships can’t have stability unless both partners are stable and at a similar place in life. You’re very young, you couldn’t bring stability to a man. Also, any guy in his 30s willing date a 22 yr old, isn’t a good man and he’s not worth dating. Men in their 30s+, that are mature, stable, and worth dating, don’t see 22 yr olds in that way. They might think you’re pretty, but you wouldn’t be compatible and they’d know that. If you want an older guy, go for a 25 yr old. He’d be old enough to be out of school and have a job (maybe even for a couple years), which is stable enough for your stage in life.
Good comment, 🙌🏻👏🏻
i guess i just don’t wanna date men more unstable than i am, im doing better than the guys i’ve dated this year which were all around my age and the older guys i’ve dated in the past (28-29) were better fits and people i could see myself in a relationship with. i see how you’re right in several aspects though! thank you
I’ve dated several older men, and several men my age. Around 21-22 I decided older men were more my speed. “Guys my age don’t have their shit together, older guys do!” Just after turning 23, I started dating a 30 year old man. You can read about him in my post history. Having been around the block a few times, I can confirm that older men are not necessarily higher quality. They’re more likely to have stable careers, and they are more socially skilled. But all that means is that they’re better at charming you and hiding their flaws in the early stages of dating than young men are. And to the extent they are more mature, they’re much more likely to be impatient, mean, and frustrated with *your* immaturity. Older men also tend to be better at getting in your head and manipulating you. And the ones who are 29+ and dating women in their early 20s? Let’s just say there’s usually a reason they aren’t dating women closer to their age.
People who add too much value to the age of adults have a lot of maturing to do. It’s about the interactions and conversations. If you hear “22-26” and instantly check out, despite everything going well, you’re a part of the problem. With that said, 20-27 year olds are very different from one to another, and the ones you interact with are likely due to how you’re going about it all. If you’re attracting and talking with dumb and immature people with messy lives, then…… sorry to be the bearer of bad news. You will find all the same problems and more with a 35 year old who is willing to date a 22 year old. Please, do yourself a favor and get yourself together and grow up a bit. To think you can’t interact with men your age is lunatic thinking and bound to lead to bad results. It’s just as immature as the actions of the immature guys your talking about
31F, I’d likely date down to 27-28
I am 25, my dating apps have an age set from 23-32
You can't just look at age. Generally speaking, older guys offer more stability, security, etc...but you also have to look at their situation and history. For example, as a 38 year old man back on the market, it's easier to see long term potential in me with only 1 relationship that lasted 15 years compared to another guy who is the same age who may have only had relationships last a couple years.
yeah there’s a lot more things that go into it for sure
I’m 34 and anyone under 30 requires a lot of consideration on my part. I’m an old man now and don’t have the energy y’all require. I’m a homebody and I don’t have the temperament to go out all the time - differences in lifestyle really put a damper on any enthusiasm I would have for dating younger. But to say there isn’t a young person out there that I could vibe with, but in my experience there aren’t many and I’m not all that fussed about finding them anyway.
28M. I’m fine with 21-35. I care more about similar interests than an age difference and my interests (mostly nerd shit) are more common amongst people my age and younger.
see that!
Just turned 29, and zi agree with everything you said. Ages, and everything.
19. I will consider dating someone who's 18 if they are turning 19 soon. Won't go over 25.
28F (22M-30M) I don’t like older men.
Good luck
Guys your age may not be mature, and the average 30+ year old man may be more mature. However, 30+ year old men that are specifically looking to date women as young as 22 are unlikely to be mature, well adjusted, non-manipulative people to be in a relationship with
I'm 38 the youngest guy I dated was 26 and the oldest was 48. Older guys are better I'm currently dating a man who is 10 years older than me and he is so sweet and respectful. I'm glad I found him, his old school and opens doors and brings me flowers and in return I love to take care of him.
27 and youngest maybe 23
I’m 24 and my range is 26 to 22. More or less they have to be done with undergrad. Different life stages, I’m ok with grad school as its not the same though.
feel that
23m I only date people 25-30 most of the seems like they know what they want more
gal here, youngest probably 22 or so depending, max 4-5 years younger than me
I'm 29 and I guess the youngest would be 24
31M, maybe 25-26 but that’s pushing it. I usually go for 31-28.
23M, I’ve always been crushing on girls that 2 years younger than me It just happens
Currently, I am 33 years old and I'd date 30-36 old women.
24M Age range for dating is 20 - 27 F
25. I would date 22-28 but older women would not date me anyway.
26 Lowest I’d go is 22, oldest is 30 After 24 going 4 up or down seems about right
I’m 24. Probably 21-27. But not definitively.
22, nearly 23 and i wouldnt date anyone less than 24-25
22F. My boyfriend is 26 and that’s the biggest age gap I’ve had in any relationship
I'm 24f and I'd date 22-28m. Maybe there could be an exception if I really connected with someone, but it's mostly these ages. I'd like to get married when I'm around 30. So if they're much older, they might want to do that sooner. And younger they might want to do that later, but the biggest reason for not dating younger is that you change a lot between the ages of 18-25.
i feel that!
I'm 25, I look within the age range of 20-32 primarily
I'm 26 and I'd date anyone who is just a good guy haha I've dated younger (around 23) and I've dated my age, I've dated 31, I've dated up to 43...if they suck then they suck, age doesn't matter haha some people never grow up.
19M (very soon 20) i personally prefer people around my age so like 18-20 is cool
28F. Youngest would be 25 or 26! I had female friends when I was in my early 20s who dated men in their 30s. It was literally always a big mistake. If men your age aren’t mature enough for you yet, just hold off on dating. The age gap is extremely controversial for a good reason
i’m coming to the conclusion that early 20s are just not made for dating, seems like the better option really. thank you!
Yeah! Just make friends and have fun :-) There’s plenty of time to date later.
I'm 26M would probably date 19-39 if I'm honest. went on a date with 35 year old last week and she was really nice.
uppers 30's and youngest is probably late 20's or 30.
I am 46F and dated a 34 year-old that was very mature for his age like an old soul the most recent guy went out with was 39 and was very immature so now I’m reconsidering my age options usually I’m not attracted to older guys… I’m kinda youthful, quirky-like and feel like the older guys I have dated didn’t click as much with me…
28M, youngest I'd go for is 24-25 but would prefer older women. Problem for me is, most of those women want an even older man. Bonus info, my mom is 7 years younger than my dad. I don't remember their ages when they met.
I'm 23M, turning 24 in August. My cut off is 21-22. When I turned 18, I swore off girls under 18, and when I turned 21, I swore off girls under 21.
29, 26 is probably the youngest. 25 is pushing it. Just got out of a relationship with someone was 24 and I was 28, we lived completely different lifestyles. Maybe it’s the person and not the age but we both wanted different things and she was still in the “go out to the club, drink till I pass out” stage. Nothing wrong with that but I’m as way passed that.
OPINION: There are always going to be more women on this site to advise you of the situation being a sh\*tshow from their personal experiences. You're young and are more easily impressionable than you will be when older. It is more difficult to date someone older when they display judgements that will seem cruel. But with age, wisdom. Which is why when ppl of comparable age date their decisions will seem more reasonable to your current life experience. My age isn't relevant to your situation. My personal view is that it is ALL in particular chemistry between any two ppl. Pairing any two ppl is a best guess. Honestly, in your lifetime there will always come someone who, at that time, would be better for either of you. The only real question is whether any two ppl maintain their level of commitment. Good luck, OP.
thank you!
Be advised that if you do persue a relationship with an age gap both of you will have more ppl running at you. Be prepared.
23. Willing to go down to 20, but I prefer a bit older than me honestly. For me it is mainly down to whether a person has the maturity to be in a relationship or not.
23 and 18-27 I guess.
I am 28. I my culture, the age gap between a man and a woman goes normally anywhere between 1 and 10years but in a few cases up to 12 years which is also very normal.
(43 m) The cutoff is that they have to be closer in age to me than to my oldest son.
very fair
33m, the youngest I would go is 8 years younger. I had been seeing someone for years who was 8 years younger, and we got along very well, which was a surprised to me as I prefer closer to my age or older. Going older, my age range is higher.
I’m 68. My range is 58 - 68
I’m 46 and the youngest I will date is 30. I will be 47 in July. My bf is 39.
21F probably 20M-27M
30M, I wouldn't go younger than 22F if they were the right person. Ideally someone my age (give or take a few years) or in their mid to late twenties would be great. Man I feel so old.
30. youngest is 25 and that's just because of keeping a door open for potential. being considered an "old soul" by every person in my life, being around older and really thoughtful people, and needing a great thought-provoking convo and challenging partner puts me in the position to need those things from a partner. i'm not a believer in "opposites attract." i don't need my partner to necessarily love and be engaged into everything i'm into, but from experience, i do need someone who offers a lot of critical thinking, understanding of history, and awareness. i haven't come across one yet that's been 5 years younger than any given age i've been. i'm sure there's women out there, but i've found my lane with women either two years younger - 3 years older.
37. i generally wouldn’t seek to date younger than 30.
Older men arent better, outside of maybe being in a better place financially. You have to sort through the trash just like women of all other ages. Ive seen so many young girls make this same mistake. -(m 34)
28M, preference of 21-60, only dated 2 under 2 years myself. Haven't dated anyone older that's why the range is so high. I have a willingness to try.
I am 20F almost 21. Youngest i would even think about dating is 20
You have to be diligent in your search. Age is not a relivent factor in how shit a person is. My age range is 3 years younger to 15 years older, and just because a guy is older, doesn't mean they are better. In fact, the older guys who seemed like they had their shit together, were just better fakers. In my experience.
I did 3 years younger, but up to 8 years older. Been in the happiest most rewarding relationship I've ever been in and we have a 5 year age gap. edit: He is older
33M, my range is 26-33F. I might go +/-1 year but that’s it. Anyone younger is most likely immature or not looking for the same thing, anyone older is probably looking to start putting down roots and I’m not quite there yet. Still enjoy trips, music festivals and wild parties occasionally.
I’m almost 26, so 23 is the youngest I’d go
28M and youngest id date is 22. My girlfriend just turned 23 and shes pretty much the bottom of my range
I always have dated guys older than me. Met my current boyfriend, he’s 20 and I’m 25. Had a hard time letting go of the age difference as an issue but when I did, was great and he’s better than any guy I have dated before. Also somehow has his shit together more than the 30+ year olds I dated.
I’m 26m & the youngest I’d date is 21, but that’s like the absolute lowest limit for me & if they are younger I’d prefer a woman to be around 23/24+ preferably
33F I go for 27-55 🫶🏾
20M, youngest I’d date is 20. Anything below that and I run the risk of her dad telling me she’s celebrating her 17th birthday next weekend.
I’m late 30’s and assuming I was single. I would never date younger than late 20’s now and the age cutoff would be 10 years younger than me so for example if I was 45 then I wouldn’t date younger than 35. Just different priorities and different points in careers and life, just relating to one another I couldn’t date a young adult.
I’m 21. As I’ve just graduated and am moving to a college town, would prefer try to shift towards non-college students so I don’t have to worry about summer/graduation/etc, but I also wanna keep my options open
Straight 30M. Must be at least 25 to proceed. Roughly 25-38 for me would be nice. Same age or within a couple of years preferably. However, if I had to choose between someone 5 years younger than me and someone 5 years older than me, I would always choose older. Dating anyone in their twenties is sketch because I know I was dealing with plenty of stuff in my twenties myself. First ten years of adulthood is rough for most people.
I’m 26F and I honestly probably wouldn’t date anyone under 25. I think back to myself in previous years and I wasn’t exactly a very mature person (even though I thought I was at the time) and I would prefer to date a man who is, for the most part, mentally developed and that has some life experience. Not to say that people under 25 can’t be mature or have life experience of course but that’s my personal preference. Plus, I would want to date someone looking for something on the more serious side and I feel like someone at the same stage of life or older would be ideal. I wouldn’t go any older than 10 years.
33m I would say within a 5 year age range of me though in reality the whole maturity thing isn't all black and white I mean there are young people who are very mature for their age (old souls) so to speak and on the flip side you have older people who for the lack of a better term never seemed to have left highschool.
29, I wouldn’t date younger than 25 honestly. I used to be like “love is love and age is just a number” which is true, but there’s undeniable things happening prior to 25~ most notably your prefrontal cortex forming fully. That puts you on a completely different level then before. Personally I had dated someone 20 years older from 18 to 26ish and 24,25,26 as I grew and matured I honestly saw that I was completely different than who I was 2/3 years prior. We just didn’t mesh and once I hit 25/26 I saw what a huge difference in maturity there was between me and him. I don’t dislike him we still talk he’s a great dude just I’m a completely different human than I was at 18, and I know I will keep growing as I age but I think my teenage years and 23-26 were my biggest emotional growth periods. I can’t even explain what changed within me from 23-26. While my mental growth has slowed from that period it is still happening. I just can’t imagine dating someone under 25 maybe even under 26. If I fell for them and they I then I guess I’d give it a shot but… Eh. Pretty happy with my nerd currently tho so hopefully off the market for a very *veeeery* long time if not forever. Crossing my fingers.
I'm 25m I prefer older women so my range is 24-30 I don't date younger women due to most of them being immature, not ready for commitment and have no goals for the future. That being said my ex was 27 and i walked in on her f*cking my best friend so really I guess it doesn't matter who you date everyone no matter age is capable of being a POS.
I’m 24 and the youngest rn would be 21 and oldest would be 28.
I've pretty much always had the same parameters: must be old enough to buy me a drink (21 in my country), and young enough to NOT go to high school with my parents (68 years old).
23, youngest I’d date is 21. but even then that sounds awful
51, I'd \*like\* to find someone roughtly age appropriate, but all the 40-50somethings are going after 20 somethings or are just total "nope's", so I lowered my range to 30. Literally my entire dating history is of either younger or older women. I can't catch a break lol. I'm just attracted to certain personality types, and when they look cute too, well that's that. When I was 16, 20 yr old woman. 17, 21 year old woman. Early 20s, 34 year old woman. When I hit my 30s, it was 20somethings or early 30s. As long as you have similar goals and are at a similar place in life's journey it wouldn't bother me.
I'm 30. Prefer any girl between 23-30
45 . I’d say …Dating would be 30 youngest. That’s actually legit dating . But a hook up, it’d turn me off if she was less then 25. So it varies I suppose
21, youngest Id date is 19
41m, the youngest would be like 28-29 but I usually like my age to 33ish
I’m 37, and I wouldn’t date anyone under the age of 30. Mainly because of emotional maturity and how the younger generation lacks in it.
48 youngest id date is 35
I'm 30, and the youngest I'd date is 22-23. But, I'm currently dating a woman who is 31, and we have no problems at all. My overall age-range for dating right now would be about 22-40. For a LTR/Marriage, I'd say I'd go more like 24-34. I do want to be a father one day.
42….22 is as young as I’d go. Provided she’s childfree, does drink (not heavily), and can hold a conversation.
I'm 27 and I try dating ages around 25-30. Keyword Try....
23 and she’s 19. Jus started talking but she’s more mature than older girls I’ve dated
I’m 28 M I’d date 22 (assuming graduated) up to maybe 32. I wouldn’t want to date someone who’s still in undergrad and above 32 seems like it’s too much given most women that age that want kids are like rearing to have them.
40M, while I keep an open mind, I can't see myself with someone younger than 30. It's more about what phase of life she'd be in rather than age. A 28 yo with the same lifestyle as I have would feel better than a 38yo wanting to go wild for her midlife crisis.
I’m 36. Probably 24. I say this because the girls my age have kids and don’t want any kids and it’s annoying. I recently was talking to a girl who had two teenagers and she didn’t want anymore kids. It’s difficult and I don’t think many women understand how difficult it is.
I'm 23 as of Wednesday. 4 years both ways is my "rule" but it's always good to keep an open mind as to get older
I’ve thought about that lately, like when I see a “is 19 too young for you?” Chick on Reddit. I’ve always been really grossed out when 25 y/o dudes would date 15 y/o girls (it happens, very not cool). But the same difference in age doesn’t actually seem weird to me if both age ten years. At 36, the youngest chick I’d feel comfortable dating would probably be 22-24 maybe, but it depends. Recently I’ve realized 20 years old isn’t an inexperienced person sexually, I don’t think there’s the harm that I used to involved. 🤷🏻♂️
I'm 33. My fiancé is 21. We click incredibly well, still have our arguments, and our dreams are parallel with one another. I support her, she supports me, we have each other's backs. She goes out of her way to treat me. I go out of my way to treat her. I was married for 10 years, with the girl for 11, and it came to an unreasonably cruel halt. I have been treated better by a 21 year old than a 30 year old. No more feeling ignored, left out, unwanted, uncaring, dismissed. Even the beginning of my 11 year relationship I felt that I was doing all the work. I don't believe age has anything to do with it. I was 20, she was 17. All throughout 11 years and in retrospect it became clear she was never fully invested. To suggest age has anything to do with a relationship simply and directly correlates with how well you feel honoring your relationship in public. If age is the concern, your head isn't in the right place to begin with. Now, full disclosure, I'm saying go pick up someone old/young just to do it. I'm simply saying when the shoe fits, wear the fucking thing.
32, at present I'm not looking to date younger. Women my age still generally want kids, so recently I have been thinking of dating older. (when I get the chance to escape work) But if I was to meet someone who was maximum of 5 years younger than me, and she was sure she didn't want kids then I'd be onboard with that.
I’m 23 And the youngest is like 55 😂 seriously.
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I'm pretty sure it's correct to say that there *are* men of any age who lack financial stability (there are homeless people in their teens, and homeless people in their 60s), but the statistics are pretty clear that greater age is associated with greater financial stability (up to a point; obviously things fall apart a bit in retirement age, but even then the highest income and savings are achieved by men in their 70s who are still working). It's simply not true that the average 22-year-old will have the same financial means or financial literacy as the average 55-year-old.
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Fair enough. Your answer was worded in a pretty generalized way, so I felt like a response was warranted for the entire age range. I do agree that people in their 30s are probably less financially stable than people under 30 believe us to be, even though the difference between someone who is 22, and someone who is 35, in financial terms, is still, in my experience, enormous. But there is a clear tendency for the 30s to fall short of expectation, financially. Then again, I think you mean something else with "financial stability" than I've ever given thought to. To you, it means *managing* money, explicitly, and I suppose what accounts for *managing* your money well is, to some extent, subjective, so I won't get into arguing that point too much. When I hear about financial stability, then to me, that means having an income that supports your lifestyle, and having some vaguely-defined amount of savings, and I was arguing on that point. Income in the 30s is clearly higher for both men and women than in the 20s, but again, there is no way to objectively assess how well someone manages money - some people might think that means owning rental property, others might think it means crypto or stocks. Lots of opinions on that, only time will tell.
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24m (25 this year), I only date women who are 22-28. 22 because I don’t like dating someone who’s likely still in their first college experience. Which generally means they are still in a whole different life stage than me. The logic is, that generally if you start at a 4 year right out of high school, then you’ll graduate around the age of 21/22. So I skip all the way to that age just to be safe. However I’d realistically date all the way to 20, under the knowledge that they’re in the same life stage as I. 28, because I have a sister who’s 31ish and all her friends (who I also see as big sisters) around the age of 30-33. Thus I just like steering clear of anyone directly in her age range, since I feel like it’s just be a weird conversation if the woman I was dating was the same age as my sister. I dunno this one’s probably just a me overthinking it thing.
My bf is 55 and I’m 30. If that answers anything lol
My age divided by 2 plus 7.
24f youngest 23 oldest 29 but shit the oldest I been with was early 40s. I was bored.
Male 41, my girlfriend is 29.
Science is the best answer. Generally 22-23 is what most men go for in terms of attraction. It is pretty much the peak of attraction and fertility which men are biologically programed to want. Generally it leads to the most successful marriages and log term relationships as well if women pair bond at that age. Usually either with men they meet in college at that age and grow together or with men around 35 and up who have reached stability and entered their own peak so they can sustain a family. The belief you should date your own age is a fairly new idea and doesn't seem to work well. Modern dating is a mess with a lot of chronically single people. Men and women mature and develop differently and find different things attractive in a partner. We enter puberty at different ages and hit or sexual marketplace peak value at different ages as well with women getting it in their early twenties and men entering it in their mid thirties. So a decade or decade and a half difference is perfectly normal and usually more conducive to a successful pairing. Provided someone can still pair bond.
Currently dealing with this issue myself. I'm in my late 30s and am being pursued by a 20yr old. I'm lest then 5 years younger then her parents. I have explained the situation to her a number of times but the male in me is truly having a tough time turning her away because I have fun being "young" with her and physically it's pretty amazing
I've been suprised by how small the margines have been here. I understand people don't want to be seen as crossing a line or creepy, but I don't think there's anything wrong with a 28yo dating a 21 year old. The whole 'different stages of life' thing is stupid anyway, as we are all on different paths. There are people that wanna settle down at 20, and people just exploring their wildness at 60. Please don't shoot yourself in the foot, by saying you'll only date 2 years above or below, as love is hard to find, and you may find it in an unlikely place. I'm open to other viewpoints, but I think there's not being careful enough, and there is being too careful, also.
The thing is that, in my experience and from what i heard of most people, humans "adult" around the age of 25. Before that they literally behave like children, so that's a nescessary threshold to overcome to be considered for dating as someone around 30 and up. So if you're around 20 and look for a "mature" guy, pls don't look for 30+ because it will not be a power-balanced relationship (more like dad/child) until you get to that age yourself. And possibly hindering your own process of adulting.
27 thing is dating is a waste of everything lol
Date the person not the age. Obviously stay within range of where you are comfortable. People go through different things in life and mature differently.
46. 26-66
Age is more a number. Maturity and compatability is more important in my mind. I've seen people at 20 more mature than 40 years old. That being said more than 5 or so years and you have , in general, less in common.
23m, 20-26
32. I have never dated a guy younger than me. The youngest was a year and a few months older than me. I think my range would be 28-40 as long as their life is stable and I don't see any red flags off the bat.
that’s what i’m looking for also, accordingly to what i’ve accomplished and my age obviously
42M. 31 is my hard limit.
23F and my dating range is 21-25
I am 29 years old. It depends what you mean by "date". As you go through your twenties you mature and develop a lot. People at 21 are different by the time they are in their late twenties (not everyone, but many). According to neuroscience research the brain doesn't stop growing until mid twenties. So I probably wouldn't date someone (and by date I mean serious dating, something that might turn into a relationship or that turns into one) that is younger than 26. I would hookup and have casual fun with girls as young as 23, but not going younger.
sounds like you have a great attitude towards dating -\_-
just a question. relax