They say age is just a number, but when it comes to relationships, that number could far more important than you think. A new study conducted by Emory University in Atlanta says there’s an ideal age difference that can heighten your chances of a lasting relationship.
The study, which looked at 3,000 people, found that the greater the age gap, the greater the risk of breaking-up.
To be more specific, researchers found that couples with a 5-year age gap are 18% more likely to split than an equal-age couple, and if you’re in a relationship with a 10-year age gap, then you’re 39% more likely to break up. It only gets worse the more the gap grows, as couples with a 20-year age gap have a 95% chance of splitting up. Sheesh.
While the study acknowledges that these are just patterns, and results could come down to partners having conflicting goals and interests at different stages in their lives, it also found an ideal age gap amongst all the break-ups. Apparently, a 1-year age gap is the sweet spot, with the chances of divorce standing at a much less intimidating 3%.
“It could just be that the types of couples with those characteristics are the types of couples who are, on average, more likely to divorce for other reasons,” said researcher Hugo Mialon. We think whether you’re a bonafide cradle snatcher or cougar-lover, everyone is different.
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