Topics: IS IT BAD THAT MY X GF GOT ON A DATING SITE 1 WEEK AFTER I DUMPED HER?
The utility of this equation is that it lets you chart acceptable age discrepancies that adjust over the years. According to the rule, for example, a 30-year-old should be with a partner who is at least 22, while a 50-year-old’s dating partner must be at least 32 to not attract (presumed) social sanction.
But how legitimate is this rule? Does it match our scientific understanding of age-related preferences for dating? Does it always apply? Should it ever?
Researchers Buunk and colleagues (2000) asked men and women to identify the ages they would consider when evaluating someone for relationships of different levels of involvement. People reported distinct age preferences for marriage ; a serious relationship; falling in love ; casual sex ; and sexual fantasies. Did they follow “the rule”?