I’m the Ron of Rongayle and I’m the older part of the gap. I enjoyed your article and, of course, took a bit of issue with it because of our circumstances. Learning about the test population helped me understand it more, though. I have no problem agreeing with the results of an age gap test involving adolescent girls, or boys, by the way. When I comment on any age-gap post I generally rely on the tried and true answer – it’s not about the age, it’s about the relationship. I choose to not comment on those posts that address adolescents, however. Why? I don’t want my inherent bias to taint my response.

I believe really “mature” adolescents are in the minority and it doesn’t matter what the comparative ages might be. It just seems that the odds are against relationships that begin in adolescence. I use my own experience as a therapist and as a person who married another adolescent when I was 18 and there was only a 5 month age gap. It didn’t work out in the long run. Not a big surprise. I do hope your article leads to more research, however. There are lots of us “successful” age-gappers out there and maybe you will be the one to identify us and help prove that any good relationship can last, regardless of age differences. Keep it up.

Ron

I would love to open a dialogue on this subject and do want you to know I understand exactly what you are saying. I’d love the references. Obviously the sample may be a bit skewed. And the age of the women makes a huge difference. You might want to check out this article – http://maydecembersecrets.com/articles/why-call-it-may-december/ – it suggests that the acceptable of the age gap wides as the age of the youngest person increases. With the formula used, the only gap relationship that would acceptable for an adolescent would be a tiny one.

I admire you for forging forward and would love to see if there is a way I may be of service. I think you are on to something and would love to see you take another step forward. You can email me at gayle.luster@verizon.net. Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts. I too thirst for truth! Please, please stay in touch!