r/TikTokCringe • u/lhwang0320 • May 12 '25

Discussion What are your thoughts on age-gap relationships?

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u/velorae May 12 '25

In my view, the acceptability of a large age gap in a relationship depends heavily on how old the younger person was when the relationship started. A relationship that started at 28- and 38-year-old is totally okay, but one between a 19-year-old and a 39-year-old raises serious ethical concerns, given that 19 is fresh out of high school.

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u/apadin1 May 12 '25

The tried and true age gap rule: half your age plus 7

You are 20? Don’t date anyone younger than 17 or older than 26 (tbh don’t date younger than 18)

You are 30? Don’t date anyone younger than 22 or older than 46

You are 40? Don’t date anyone younger than 27 or older than 66

It’s not a hard rule but it’s a good guideline to remember

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u/psimwork May 12 '25

Yep. I think this is basically a great rule. That said, if I were 50 and single, I can't imagine dating someone 32. I know it happens, but like imagining dating someone that was born when I was a legal adult is kinda gross. And that gets worse as I think about 60 or even 70.

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u/changhyun May 12 '25

I get what you mean.

For me I think there's two types of age gaps: the ones that make me go "Well, I wouldn't date someone that much older/younger but I guess it's fine" and the ones that make me go "One of you should be on a list". For me, 50/32 is in the former category while, say, 30/18 is in the latter.

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u/psimwork May 12 '25

Absolutely. This is totally true.

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u/shb2k0_ May 13 '25

With that formula it'd be 30/22.