Money and Dating
These days most people thing having an age gap in a relationship is no longer a big deal. Having an older (or younger) partner tends to become less taboo as our ideas of moral and personal freedom change. Indeed, recent surveys find that both men and women have opened up to the idea of being in a relationship with a substantial age gap. That being said, while our concepts physical attraction and ageing change, one fundamental challenge for any couple is even more present for men and women with a substantial age difference. Money and dating is as complicated as ever, and here’s why.
Money and dating is typically a matter of finding the right balance
When it comes to money and dating, we all have different ideas what an ideal relationship scenario looks like. For a lot of couples, it is perfectly normal to split the bills and contribute evenly to any expenses. Whether it is the monthly rent, the summer holiday or a visit at the favourite restaurant: More and more men and women expect to share everything with their partner. In most cases this works reasonably well. On average, we gravitate towards potential partners that are in a similar life stage. For example, students tend go out with other students who share the same financial situation, and career driven men and women often end up with an equally successful partner. For obvious reasons, it is easier to adjust to each others spending habits when you have a similar income. What happens if that’s not the case, though?
How couples deal with inequalities when it comes to money and dating
Financial inequalities can be a challenge for a relationship. For age gap couples, it is common if not the norm that the younger partner does not have the same financial means. Building a successful career takes years, and partners who are in completely different life stages are rarely on the same income level. How age gap couples deal with money and dating can therefore make or break a relationship. If you want to live a certain lifestyle, you should not assume that your significantly younger partner can afford the same things. Basically there are two solutions: You can agree on things that are affordable for both of you. Adjust to your partners habits when it comes to spending. Alternatively you can discuss your finances and offer to pay for the benefit of having a better living standard.
Why older partners often pay for a more extravagant lifestyle
A lot of age gap couples agree that it can be hard to try playing in the same league. If you have worked all your life for your success, why would you want to compromise when it comes to money and dating? For this reason, older partners are often happy to cover some of the costs when it comes to mutual holidays, rent and going out. The most important thing in a successful career is to have fun and enjoy it while it lasts. If you are lucky enough to have an attractive younger partner by your side, why let it stop you?
