Lisa O
Dating an older man can be pretty great. Of course, it comes with its own unique circumstances. Intergenerational, age-gap, young-old relationships—whatever you prefer to call them—bring some distinct perks for the younger partner. As a woman, you might want to know all these benefits before hopping on the relationship train. So, here are 15 benefits of dating an older man.
You both grow together.
One great thing about being in different life stages is that you can celebrate each other’s successes without any sense of competition or comparison. Even better, both of you can bring fresh ideas to the table and expand each other’s world—like the younger one teaching the older one about social media while the older one introduces classic films.
He’s like your personal mentor.
One big perk that keeps popping up for both partners in an age-gap relationship is guidance. Many younger people in these relationships appreciate the mentoring and learning opportunities an older partner provides. Likewise, many older partners say they find great satisfaction in sharing advice, offering guidance, and helping nurture their younger partner—it’s often a major part of the appeal.
He knows how to communicate.
Through a mix of work and social experiences, an older partner has probably developed solid communication skills. They understand their emotions, know what matters to them, can express it clearly, and aren’t as afraid to be honest about it. Since communication is the base of any successful relationship, this can be a major plus.
He’s got a solid friend group.
Since they’re older, they’ve already been through the friends who come and go during university, early jobs, and first flat shares in their 20s. What’s left are the important ones—the friends who truly matter. This means less drama and more fun. And with some of them likely being older too, they can platonically offer many of the same perks your guy brings to the table.
His life is stable.
An older partner is more likely to have stability in their life. They’ve figured out their career path—or might even be nearing the end of it. Whether they rent or own, their living situation is probably well-established, and their family dynamics (with or without kids) are usually in a more settled place.
He’s full of wisdom and interesting discussions.
Growing up in a different time means an older partner brings unique opinions and perspectives to the table. With all that life experience under their belt, their knowledge and differing views can lead to some really interesting debates and fun fact-sharing. You can spend cozy nights with your boyfriend, chatting about anything and everything.
The intimacy is better.
Some people might not love the idea of their partner having been with someone else, but the truth is—sorry to break it to you—an older guy has probably had his fair share of experiences before you came along. But hey, that’s actually a good thing! The upside? He’s had plenty of time to “hone his craft,” so to speak.
He loves you for who you are.
As you get older, you sadly realize that not everything and everyone is perfect. The upside is that an older partner is more likely to appreciate you for who you are. They’re probably less concerned if you gain a little weight, don’t always look flawless, or occasionally feel down. On the flip side, make sure you’re just as accepting of them, and it’ll go a long way in building a loving, happy relationship.
He gets along with your parents.
An older partner, being closer to your parents, is likely to share many of the same interests. They might have similar tastes in favorite movies, music, cultural references, and so much more. This can help them get along really well and ease any concerns you might have about the age gap.
He’s got his finances in check.
An older man is likely to have a better grip on his finances. He’s learned about taxes, mortgages, and when to spend or save—especially if he has his own place. Because of this, you’re less likely to run into financial troubles from impulse spending or wild nights out. Not only can he teach you some of what he’s learned, but he can also help you develop good financial habits yourself.
He’s very patient with you.
Many older people say they’ve become calmer as they’ve gotten older. One result of this is that older men are less likely to get upset over the little things. That’s not to say you should skip doing the dishes, but you’re less likely to have major blow-ups if you forget now and then. Just make sure it’s a two-way street, and you’re as forgiving, too.
He’s not going to ghost you.
Having dated a few people, a mature man will likely know exactly what he wants from a partner. If he’s chosen to be with you (yay!), he’s probably ready to commit emotionally and put effort into your relationship. This means less ghosting, fewer uncertainties, and a real willingness to make things work.
He sticks to his plans.
Similarly, they’re less likely to bail on social plans and will usually let you know upfront whether they’re in or out. Sure, since they know themselves and what they enjoy a bit more, they might be more likely to say, “I’m not into that,” right from the start. But in an age where last-minute “something better came up” flakiness is common, this upfront honesty is a real plus.
You don’t have to share space with random people.
Being older, your partner might own or rent their own place. One part of that is they could be doing it on their own. The good thing here is you don’t have to tiptoe around random people you don’t care about when you stay over. Plus, you don’t need to save up for buying a home by retirement—there’s a good chance your partner already has one.
He offers a greater life experience.
For many women, the joy of being in a relationship is exploring life and making mistakes together. However, for some women, dating older men offers the support they crave. Basically, if an older man can show off a flashy car, a great apartment, and all the right clothes, he must be doing something right. On the flip side, most of us subconsciously doubt that a young man can keep up such displays of wealth for long.
