Do you think Age Gap is a Problem in a relationship

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Hello paddies, Welcome to my entry! I've been seriously preoccupied with issues around the home and children, hence my little late entry into the contest. I have always desired to make my brief entry on the matter.

The word age gap in a relationship simply means the differences in ages between two people who are closely bound by friendship. The issues of differences in ages are not really issues of trouble as there have always been. No one marries or enters into any relationship by finding a partner of the same birthday day, month, and year.

Therefore, it has always been observed that there are age differences before now. And in this situation, the man has always taken the lead by having an edge. Going by our tradition, this is normal; If also considering our religious standards, the man was given the head of the home. So, this has to be measured in all standards.

I will highlight some circumstances that entail that there are observed age gaps in our relationships, especially in Africa. Firstly, while keeping to the standards where the man is head and expected to take the lead in the age numbers, the differentials should not be one with both partners living in different decades. In a situation, the age difference is either 10 years and above or 20 years and above.

Secondly, we on this side of the world (Africa ) do not view the opposite scenario occurring and each time it springs its head, we believe it is abnormal. The woman is not expected to be the senior in age count. This may bring submission clashes in the home. Humility may be lost while trying to deal with family headship and seniority.

Yes, it is definitely a problem, especially for the majority of us from the region. Personally, I told my partner that I don't in any way allow dealings with any man below my age. It naturally undermines me on every side and cannot deal with it. And if by mistake it happens at any time, I make sure I crash it as soon as possible. This has to do with the perception and understanding behind what we believe.

Just with my belief, some other women out there also concur with this and maintain their stance that the age gap should be in favor of the man and not the woman. Moreso, there are age gap differences that turn off the woman. A man of over 50 to 60 years making advances to a young lady of about 20 years. Most times, this does not work but there are occasions we see them happen. But those moments are money-sponsored.

It does have a way of affecting relationships. It places more pressure on both partners to become choosy in their partner. They have to be conscious of the others before they can establish whatever emotions they have for each other.

What about those men who jump into relationships of this kind due to the monetary attachment they stand to gain from it? In the long run, they become trapped in taking their rightful place. The man becomes the woman in the house in function and vice versa. This in no doubt always ends sadly.

There is always this clash between the man and woman on humility issues. The woman of seniority in age would unintentionally seek respect and the man as the head of the home would seek submissiveness. This thin line is always seen broken times without count.

Despite the fact I would desire an age difference between both of us with my partner taking the lead, I won't tolerate ages with significant gaps. Age differences with decades apart are a no for me. This does not completely unite us in our sense of belonging in the same era.

Fortunately for me, my age gap is below half a decade, and remains my preferred age gap for my partner.

Just as mentioned, any age gap below 10 years is ideal for partners. We do not have to indulge in relationships that look like father-to-daughter affairs or grandma-to-son relationships.

1 -9 years of relationship age gaps are ideal and commendable for easy catch-up in different spheres.

This is my entry and I hope it did serve the purpose of educating and information sharing in the community. 😊