25 Comments
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Gina's avatar

I was 9 years older than my ex. Still going to look for a younger man now that I am single! I am trim, fit, and look younger.

Mary Camarillo's avatar

Susan Tedeschi is nine years older than Derek Trucks and they make incredible music together in their 12 piece band.

Patty's avatar

And he pursued her quite diligently, too. She was playing with a different band when he was with the Allman Brothers Band, and he invited her to hang out with them on their bus after a show one evening. Her bandmates told her, "Don't go, Susan, those guys are too wild." Derek said, "If they only knew, Greg was in his bathrobe and slippers sitting in the back watching Matlock phase by then." But Derek persisted, and the rest is history. I love hearing them talk about their relationship. What a great musical couple.

Mary Camarillo's avatar

That’s a great story. I love that band. We just saw them at the Beacon.

Patty's avatar

They're about to perform here (in ATL) with Jason Isbell and his band, but we had blown a bunch of money to see another band and just couldn't cough up the dough for that show. Also, TBH, I didn't like the venue where they were going to perform. It's in a ritzy part of town and I just couldn't... I've gotten to the age where I'm so picky. If it's not in a small venue or one where I feel really comfortable, that's okay. I'll listen at home. I'm glad you had a great show. I'm not surprised.

Cathy Alter's avatar

I am 10 years older than my husband. We've been married almost 20 years and when people find out about our age difference (usually because our son just loves to announce it), about 98% of women will unfailingly say to me, "Good for you." Emphasis either on the Good or the You (which, to me, means something very different). I always say, "Good for him, too." Which is all to say: I still experience raised eyebrows.

Sari Botton's avatar

I love that response!

Maryjane Fahey's avatar

I was 15 years older than a partner. we lasted 7 years. not bad. we parted because my career was soaring and i was in a place where I needed to take a break. Have an adventure elsewhere for few months. His career was just getting started. Bad timing. but meanwhile. we had 7 great years.

Sari Botton's avatar

I love that, Maryjane.

Don Trembath's avatar

My wife’s grandmother was older than her grandfather; her mom is older than her dad; she’s older than me. Not a big deal to any of us, as it should be!

Sari Botton's avatar

Family tradition apparently!

Anya Kamenetz's avatar

I think any two people can fall in love. The guys who get deserved side eye are the ones "who keep getting older, and [the girls] stay the same age."

Jo-Ann Mort: A Precise Chaos's avatar

I have always been involved with much older men. Consequently, at least two of the men are no longer alive, since I am now 70:-) My goal today is to find someone younger. I think that women age better than men and men who are my age or older are simply not attractive to me (attractive in all of the various meanings of the word).

Sari Botton's avatar

Thanks for sharing, Jo-Ann.

Catherine's avatar

I am 7 years older than my husband, and we've been together for 37 years. Our age difference has never been an issue, just a fact.

James Bennett's avatar

If couples can work out an age age difference, why not? As a 72 yo single male, I’ve experienced age gaps in relationships. I’ve been the youngster (by 5 years) twice, but mostly the elder (17, 15, & 8 year gaps). Finding someone, as Lucinda Williams sang. ‘Right in time with me’ has been the trick. At 72, I’m still healthy, active, adventurous, creative and curious. While I’d like to narrow the gap to less than 5 years +/-, to have someone to grow old with at the same pace where I live (Alaska), seems a quixotic pursuit. At 72, it now seems ridiculous to think of dating someone younger than 65ish. Could I? Sure. However, I think I’m striving for a balanced equality in all things, including aging.

Sari Botton's avatar

Well put. Good luck. I hope you find someone who fits the bill.

Peter Moore's avatar

Ah, to be Anne Hathaway’s art dealer to Nicolas Galitzine’s pop star in The Idea of You. And even in that fantasy they couldn’t work it out. But fun to watch ‘em try. And always good to hear https://maggierogers.substack.com/ sing “Leave the Light On” over the closing credits.

Sari Botton's avatar

Haven't seen that one. Adding to my list...

Mary Camarillo's avatar

I just finished reading an advanced reader copy of Deborah K Shepherd’s new memoir “An Old Man’s Darling.” It’s an unflinchingly honest reflection of love, regret, and forgiveness. Releases May 12, 2026.

Sari Botton's avatar

I look forward to checking out Deb's book!

Mary Camarillo's avatar

I really enjoyed it

Kaylene Johnson-Sullivan's avatar

One aspect of age differences is that one of you will be a widow/widower long before the other. My dad used to say that every love story ends in tragedy because one of you dies first. I thought that was morbid until now, sitting alone without my Beloved. Regardless, I wouldn’t change a thing about our love story (except that he would still be here).