Dating across the age gap

By Molly Page
South Charleston High School

When it comes to dating, age can be a controversial subject. Some people say that age doesn’t matter, that it’s just a number. Others think that when a person dates someone dramatically older, then he or she is being inappropriate.

Just a century ago, it was common for girls to still marry while they were teens - and to marry men at least twice their age. This was an acceptable practice at the time. Now, though, it is a federal offense for someone over the age of 18 to date someone under 18.

But what do teens think? Is age really a crucial factor in a relationship or is it just a number signifying how long a person’s been alive?

“Age isn’t really supposed to matter, right?” said Nitro freshman Courtney Ingram. “As long as you don’t end up like Anna Nicole and date a guy that’s like your great-grandfather’s age just so you can have his money, age shouldn’t matter. A few years shouldn’t make a difference as long as you’re dating for a good reason.”

Most of the other students asked agreed that a two- to three-year age difference isn’t much of a big deal. They weren’t as accepting when it came to larger gaps, though.

“I don’t know. It’s not a big deal, I guess,” said Capital senior Josh Taylor. “I wouldn’t date someone that’s like 10, but two or three years difference is OK.”

South Charleston senior Sarah Lane, on the other hand, believes that a person’s maturity level is more important than his or her age. “I think major age differences can create problems because people are at different stages of their life at different ages, but if the gap isn’t terribly large, you can make it work if you’re willing to understand and accept that fact.”

Overall, people have widely different opinions on the subject, so it’s all up to you to decide whether or not you want to pursue a relationship with someone who’s much older or younger than you.