Thoughts on age gaps in relationships.

I don’t really have strong opinions here, but the issue has come up frequently in the comments recently so I thought I would share my own thoughts on the issue and provide a place for others to share their likely stronger opinions.  Here are my thoughts:

1. It does seem to be more natural for a woman to be attracted to an older man than the other way around.  However, if cougars can get what they want without harming innocents (mainly kids) I don’t have any angst about that.  I will however reserve the right to make fun of men or women who make an ass of themselves.
2. Large age gaps strike me as being less stable across the board, so I think couples should consider what this means when contemplating marriage.  They shouldn’t marry into a situation where they could foresee in advance a reason for divorce.  This is probably worse for younger men/older women but if a couple can make it work (either direction) then more power to them.
3. The media can play a hugely negative role if it cheer-leads for unworkable arrangements in an effort to score feminist points.  They have a massive ax to grind here and I think they risk leading many down the wrong path.  Respecting people’s choices is very different than creating a propaganda blitz.
4. My normal caveats regarding marriage still apply, both parties should be old enough to make the decision before entering into marriage (voluntarily) and they should be head over heels in love.  In our culture 18 is probably the minimum for this.