How Big of an Age Gap Is Too Big for New Yorkers?

How many years are too many when it comes to dating? A new survey found that New Yorkers believe the largest acceptable age gap between two adults is about 13 years. Of course, not everyone agrees on where the line should be. The Matchmaking Company surveyed more than 2,400 Americans about relationships between people of different ages.

Age Gap Relationships Are Common

The survey found that 40 percent of Americans have had a casual romantic relationship with someone at least 10 years older or younger. Almost 35 percent have been in a relationship lasting at least one month with someone who was 10 or more years older or younger. That means age gap relationships may be more common than we think.

Americans Are Split on Larger Gaps

When the age difference reaches 15 years or more, Americans cannot seem to agree. About 35 percent said a gap of at least 15 years is acceptable. Another 35 percent said it is not acceptable. The remaining 30 percent said they felt neutral about it.

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Opinions may also change depending on the couple. Some people care about which partner is older. Others are more concerned about the age of the younger person, especially if that person is in their late teens or early 20s.

Most People Prefer Someone Close in Age

Even though many Americans have dated someone much older or younger, most still prefer a partner near their own age. Women said their ideal partner would be about 2.4 years older. Men said they would prefer someone about 1.6 years younger.

Is 13 Years Too Much?

Every relationship is different, and age is only one part of it. The survey suggests 13 years is about where many New Yorkers begin to feel the difference may be too large. What do you think? Is a 13 year age gap reasonable, or is that too much?