8.5% of married couples have an age gap of 10 or more years, according to Census data. But why the rise in age gap relationships? Part of it could be due to an increased interest in “life experience alignment”, sex therapist Holly Wood noted. “As people live longer and have more varied life experiences, they may find compatibility with partners of different ages who share similar values or life stages,” she said. For example, Portland woman Kelly Wallace chose to date an older man who was serious about his career. “When I was younger, men my age were working as baristas in coffee shops or living with roommates. I wanted someone who matched my situation,” Wallace said. However, age gap relationships can come with a social stigma, as people may make assumptions about your relationship. (Good Housekeeping)

Phone Topic: Have you dated someone much older or younger?