Brits are relaxed about age gaps when dating – with 20 years still accepted

Brits are willing to have an average age gap of six years when dating, according to research. A poll of 2,000 adults found 71% see no problem with a relationship with someone significantly younger or older than them – as long as maturity levels are matched and they share common life goals.

An age gap of 10-20 years was seen as perfectly acceptable grounds for a relationship for 56% of respondents. A fifth (20%) would prefer to be with someone older than them – including 32% of women and just eight% of men – while more men would opt to have a partner who is younger than them (33%) than the same age (21%).

Lee Mason, vice president of Scripted, Disney+ EMEA and the commissioner of the new show Alice and Steve, which explores an age-gap relationship that challenges expectations, said: “Our research highlights just how complex relationships are, and how easy it is to rely on assumptions until we’re faced with real situations.

“While people may have concerns about age-gap relationships or pass judgement, it’s fascinating to see how many would consider being in one and how people are ultimately focused on shared values, life goals and emotional compatibility.

“Attitudes are also continuing to evolve, with many people becoming more open-minded about age-gap partnerships as they get older and gain more life experience.”

The study also found 47% of people think age-gap partnerships are becoming more acceptable, compared to 12% who think they’re becoming less accepted.

Furthermore, almost a quarter (24%) have become more open to these relationships as they’ve gotten older. The biggest concerns those polled have about entering into a relationship with an age difference include the possibility it’s purely transactional (40%), possible lifestyle differences (40%) and a potential power imbalance (30%).

Of those who’d rather be with someone older, emotional maturity (54%), security (42%) and confidence and life experience (41%) appeal the most.

Among those who lean towards a younger partner, attractiveness (44%), more energy (41%) and fun and spontaneity (37%) were the standout reasons.

Overall, 23% would feel differently about age-gap relationships if a close friend or family member knew the person they were looking to date.

This would lead 14% to view the possibility more positively, with 33% more open-minded about it. However, ties to a friend or family member would put nine% off, with worries prevailing around long-term compatibility (43%).

A further 28% agreed TV and film have positively influenced how they perceive age-gap relationships. Interestingly, this includes 46% of Gen Zs, compared to only 10% of Boomers, according to the OnePoll.com figures.

Lee Mason, for Scripted, Disney+ EMEA and commissioner of the show Alice and Steve, added: “For most people, a successful relationship is about far more than age alone.

“In making the show, we wanted to explore the ways in which different generations react to age gap relationships and how it affects family, friendship and the relationship itself.

“Intergenerational relationships are still the focus of much debate and differing opinions.

“But it’s interesting that many adults believe compatibility, maturity and shared goals matter much more than the number of years between partners.”