They say age is just a number, but can the same be said about married couples? Is there an ideal age gap for marriage?
Well, the answer to that is: yes and no.
Every relationship is different but typically in most of them, couples zero in on a few key factors of compatibility right at the dating stage. These factors could be love, community, family, financial status, and past relationships. For some, age difference also comes into play, especially if they plan to settle down later in life.
While for many this last factor may not be a contentious one, for others, ideal age gap for marriage is very much important. In fact, some existing studies also support this theory. They note that wider age gaps between couples may stir up marital problems in the future.
But what is the exact answer: do most Singaporean couples prefer an ideal age gap for marriage? Well, we found out.
theAsianparent (TAP) community shared their own age differences with their spouses and some replies are not what you expect.
Image source: iStock
What Is The Age Gap Between You And Your Partner?
On the TAP community’s random talk discussions, users shared interesting answers to the question “What is the age gap between you and your spouse?”
One year or less. Most TAP users said they only had a one-year difference with their spouse, while other few shared that they only had several months between their partners.
Two year or more. A two-year age gap was also commented a few times with three TAP community members sharing the same answer. There were also a couple of users that said they only had a close 3 and 4-year age gap with their spouses.
Over 10 years. There were also several TAP users that shared they have passed the 10 year age gap with their partner as a community member said she had 15 years between her and her spouse while another wrote, “I’m only 26 and my partner is 42”.
There were also community members that said they didn’t have an age gap between them and that they were actually the same age as their partner.
While a majority said they had a year or less between them and their spouses, there are still several people who managed to bridge wide age gaps.
Ways You Can Bond With Your Older/Younger Spouse
Image source: iStock
Even with a couple of years between you two, there are still many ways to connect with your life-long partner. As both mature adults, you shouldn’t let numbers faze you from keeping the spark alive in your relationship.
Whether it’s an age-gap of a year or five years, you can still find things to bond over and keep your relationship spicy. To bridge the gap and to keep the flame alive, here are a few things you can try:
1. Send each other loving notes or texts within the day. Be as cheesy as you want and throw all the words of love you know to your partner. This would surely make them feel giddy, in the middle of their busy day.
2. Bring the dating days back. If there’s something you and your spouse used to do before, during your dating phase, you should revive those activities. You can spend time together at the same spots you would hang out before marriage. And remind yourself of your love for each other.
3. Go on spontaneous dates. While planning may be ideal especially with kids and your busy work life, try to go out of your way to surprise your spouse with a special date. It doesn’t even have to be anything extravagant, just a simple picnic will do. The idea is to do something that would bring a smile to your partner’s face and take away all the stress.
4. Take part in activities you both have never tried before. Whether your partner is older or younger, there must be things both of you haven’t done before. Take for instance, extreme activities such as skydiving or even something as simple as cooking a new dish together. It’s always fun to try something new together ans create a new memory.
5. Spend quality time together. Even with a promised lifetime together, take some time off and plan a day for just the two of you to reconnect.
With reports from Sandra Ong.
ALSO READ:
12 Signs You May Be In An Emotionally Abusive Relationship
How To Keep Your Relationship Healthy When You’re Pregnant
