Does Age Matter?

Does Age Matter? How To Communicate With Your Partner Across Different Generations

If you find that you are in a relationship where you and your partner have quite obvious age differences, then it will only be a matter of time (if you haven't arrived at that phase yet) before you encounter certain setbacks in the course of making your relationship work because of a difference in age. True, having a boyfriend/girlfriend that is considerably older or younger than you may appeal to your romantic nature, but it can also mean getting involved in situations that can be both challenging and exasperating. No one ever said it's going to be a walk in the park, but here are a couple of things you can try to help your adjustments just a bit easier:

Have reasonable expectations. You may be overly excited to show your boyfriend/girlfriend the world you inhabit, but it would also be sensible to expect that he/she may not immediately take a liking to it - or may not even like it at all. That's not being pessimistic; you just have to be a little more realistic and set your feet firmly on the ground to avoid having your hopes dashed to pieces in the not-so-distant-future. If you're girlfriend is still in high school, it may not be a good idea to let her sit on one of your poetry sessions - unless she's into arts. Teenagers usually like things a bit more upbeat and lively, and as her partner you have to understand that. If your boyfriend is more on the mature age, it might be wise to consult with him first before surprising him with a bungee jumping trip. He may not like activities that will literally leave him breathless, and there's a good chance he enjoys to do things on a more laidback pace.

Talk to your partner. You may be having one of your petty arguments, or you cannot understand the way your boyfriend/girlfriend does certain things. The best way to work around them is to take the time to discuss matters with your partner. Perhaps go to a nearby coffee shop and have a lengthy and detailed conversation with him/her while sipping your favorite beverage. It will definitely help in clearing up some, if not most, misunderstandings.

Find common interests. You and your boyfriend/girlfriend may belong in different generations and therefore enjoy doing entirely different things, but having a good common ground can do wonders in strengthening your relationship. Find activities you can do together.

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