If you are hungry, here is some healthy food for thought

(Posted by Gayle)

Is a May-December Relationship right for you?

(By:  Tina Tobin writer, blogger and creator of the women’s relationship advice site LuvEmOrLeavem.com where all advice is centered around the question “Should she love him or leave him?)

…There are many statistics about how the success rates of relationships with big age differences compare to those with minimal age gaps. These numbers tend to be very misleading. Relationships do not exist in a vacuum, and the other factors that typically affect May-December romances also need to be considered before we conclude that these relationships are destined to fail. These same factors reduce the odds of any relationship surviving even if there is not a large age difference…  Read entire article here.

Gayle’s Commentary:

I’ve been so hungry for something filling in the news for May December couples.  My experience is that we are STARVING for news we can use.  This article will give you something to chew on.  It asks smart questions you’ll need to answer for yourself.  What I’m so excited about is that it discusses an important subject in an intelligent way.  Way to go Tina and thank you!

I strongly suggest you read this article if you are considering a May December romance.  While they aren’t for everyone – no relationship is – you’ll improve your chances of making it work by knowing what to prepare for.  After you read it, stay tuned to MayDecember Secrets.  We will continue to give you the information you need to help you make your relationship the best it can possibly be!

The college year (yes, that’s right, year):

(Posted by Ron)

Throughout high school I was sure I wanted to go on to college and study medicine. I couldn’t imagine anything more fun or lucrative than being a doctor. I was the first in my family to enter college and that was a fact of some pride to my parents. I received a shock to my system when I entered Marshall University as a freshman intending to follow a pre-med path. College was definitely not high school.  Not having to study in high school meant I never really learned how to study. Subjects that came easily to me before were suddenly challenging and I was not prepared for that challenge. In my first semester as a “college man” I earned a staggering 0.9 average on a 4.0 scale. Something had to change. Read the rest of this entry »

Indeed – certain age gap relationships may keep the grim reaper away a little longer!

(posted by Ron)

In an August 2007 article in LiveScience.com Jeanna Bryner hypothesizes that “May/December Couples Boost Human Lifespan.” That’s quite an interesting idea, particularly considering that it makes some evolutionary sense.

Ms. Brynner cites several sources to support her hypothesis, all of which seem to point in the same direction.  Although females tend to lose their reproductive capacity in their fifties men do not.  On the average men are fertile until at least their seventies and some even into their nineties.  She states that, at the time of her article, “90-year-old Nanu Ram Jogi from India reportedly became the world’s oldest father when he announced his 21st child…”  Read the entire article here.

Ron’s Commentary

Robert Heinlein is one of my favorite authors.  In 1941 he introduced science fiction fans to the Howard Family.  A wealthy man named Howard encouraged certain individuals to marry because they had living grandparents who were quite old.  His foundation then paid significant amounts for each child they delivered.  Needless to say there are some large families in the series.

Our species has been interested in extending our lifespan since we ran away from the first dinosaur.  Ira Howard may have a good idea but, until now I haven’t seen any non-science fiction studies.  Now, age gap couples are putting their oar into the genetic pool (so to speak.)

In the article noted above, we see that older men/younger women pairings often result in children.  Some quite famous examples are noted.  It hypothesizes that potent older men tend to pass on the gene for longevity to their children.  That’s only slightly more scientific than Ira Howard’s ideas but who’s to say they both don’t have something good there.

So, go for it age gap couples!  Let’s see how much you can boost our lifespan!  Wouldn’t it be ironic we if ended up being fountains of youth?!

The way to Gayle’s heart.

(Posted by Ron and Gayle)

Gayle's Beloved White Castle

We’re passing through Louisville, Kentucky on our way to French Lick, Indiana for some much needed r & r with kids and grandkids.  Whenever we head East or North, Gayle is on the lookout for a White Castle. Armed with her handy GPS it didn’t take her long to find one!

Okay folks – this might woo her, but it may not be the key to everyone’s heart.  Use caution before making a reservation!

Teen Life Q&A: Is the age difference between you too big?

Does age really matter, when is an age gap too big?

for About.com

My boyfriend is 28 and I’m 16. My parents don’t approve, my friends think it’s creepy and his family says it’s disgusting but we’re in love. Am I crazy thinking love can conquer all or does age really matter? When is an age gap too big?

To say “he is X number of years older than you and that is too much older” is an oversimplification of a complex situation. In matters of the heart things don’t always make sense, timing isn’t always right and people are not always in the same age group. Large age differences can be overcome if people are at similar places in their lives. That said, when you are a teen and your partner is a full grown adult the chances that you are in similar places in your life are slim to none.  Read entire article here.

Gayle’s Commentary

This article gives some practical advice that really makes sense.  I know the article is aimed at teens, but we “adults” could benefit from what Mike has to say (just read between the lines a bit.)  We know that no single formula always works when it comes to the right amount of age difference in a May December couple.  I also know lots of people wish there was a rule.  So if you want a rule, the only one you are going to get is the one legislated where you live.  With that said, we also know that just because an age gap is legal doesn’t mean it is wise.  There’s a lot of common sense in this article.