Age Differences are Not Relevant in Relationships

Most people are familiar with the cliches of the "young gold-digger" and the "dirty old man"-- both oversimplifying and needlessly complicating "average people" who do not fit into such categories-- oversimplifying because it's far too easy to place labels on human beings and relationships; and complicated because it then becomes necessary to remove undeserved labels and be in the position of attempting to explain that most relationships between people who have significant age differences do not mean that one or the other is motivated by money, sex, or prestige. In other words, it's not about what you can get, how you look, or being discontented with one's place in life.

There should not be bias against or stigma attached to relationships where the only major difference between the two individuals is age; the criteria for what makes a good relationship is the same as it is for anyone else: similar interests, shared values and standards, common goals, and good communication.

As for why it is often considered odd or even unnatural for two people with a wide gap in age to possess common ground and similar interests, such misconceptions and prejudices are generally based on factors as media portrayal and tradition; and these factors are not legitimate reasons to deem relationships as unacceptable, suspect, or even unusual. TheGraduate's "Mrs. Robinson" should not be seen as American culture's definition of what age-difference relationships are all about, nor is the Twentysomething who pairs with the Billionaire a measure by which to judge couples who have true harmony and mutual commitment.

The balance of personalities which is essential in all good relationships is not based on age, but formed by background and temperament. Likewise, standards and values are generally the product of upbringing and environment. And both effectiveness in communication and goals are personal traits. None of these factors are age-related. For those whose personal and mutual characteristics encompass these qualities, differences in age is largely irrelevant.

All in all, a relationship is intended to be between the two people involved. It is both offensive and hurtful for anyone to be on the receiving end of intrusive, crude opinions about personal intentions and motivations. The Mrs. Robinsons and the Billionaires are the exceptions, bearing no resemblance to most couples whose chosen mate or partner is from a different age group. It's far past time that the prejudice against such choices be eliminated as bias against couples of differing races or religions has been eliminated as outdated notions which are not relevant to "real people in real relationships."