Spending prolonged time in close contact, working on something that incites both peoples passions, can naturally lead to friendship and even romance. As long as both partners are legal adults, a romantic relationship can flourish, but a 10-year age gap can present special challenges.

Can a relationship with a big age difference really work?

Both men and women report initially being more satisfied in their marriage when their spouses were younger, research reports. Though couples with an age gap started out more satisfied, however, their satisfaction tended to drop more dramatically over time than couples who were the same age.

Why do age gaps in relationships matter?

Partners with significant age gaps might be better matched in terms of their shared interests, vitality, energy, and health than many same-aged couples. Ultimately, the day-to-day emotions, thoughts, and behaviors that define a relationship are known only by those in the relationship, not by nosy outsiders.