The ideal age difference for long-term relationships has been named

Psychotherapist Eloise Skinner named what she considers the ideal age difference for long-term relationships. She is quoted by Metro.

She identified the best age difference between partners as a gap of up to three years. "You are likely to meet each other's expectations in terms of expenses, savings and investments, as well as in terms of health," Skinner noted. She added that partners of approximately the same age will be able to do the same activities on weekends, share childcare responsibilities, and even have the same goals when traveling.

Skinner cited research data showing that the level of relationship satisfaction decreases over time in couples with a significant age difference. In addition, they may face problems regarding having children. If one partner is much older, there may be issues with conception or incompatible parenting styles. Furthermore, there is a higher probability that a child will lose one parent when they are young.

Moreover, couples with a large age gap may also face financial problems - for example, if one partner retires significantly earlier than the other. There is also a potential problem related to power dynamics in relationships with an age difference - for instance, when one person has more money, a more successful career, or status, she added.

Of course, this can happen even without an age difference. To create stable, long-term relationships, partners should strive to be on the same level in terms of emotional maturity, psychological maturity, values, goals, and preferences, which is more feasible in relationships with a smaller age difference or none at all.