What size of age gap is acceptable/preferable in a relationship?

So I've dated both a woman 10 years older than me (when I was 22) and about 9 years younger (Recently). I'm not sure i'd go that young again as it wasn't a great experience either way. So I think i'd be comfortable with a couple years gap maybe 6-7 at most? I don't put too much emphasis on age but now I've had both extremes it would be kind of nice to find someone closer if possible at the end of the day it all comes down to chemistry.

Varies from person to person. I personally don't like dating under 23, because I have a hard time relating to girls below that age. Not saying that dating someone at 20 would be impossible, but well... Wouldn't be easy. I have the same problem with girls more than four years older than me. Gen X girls are cool and all, but there tends to be an ideological difference in our values if I go older than 34. If you somehow escaped the housing market crash, then you're just going to have trouble seeing why my generation sees things in a certain way.

I never thought of that, generation makes a huge difference. You never know tho, Gen Z's are pretty empathetic people so they mesh well.

My grandparents were 12 years apart,and they were happily married for 50 years. I think success in a relationship depends more on the people involved than how close they are in age. That said, I think I'm fine with anyone up to 10 years younger than me. Since I'm not looking to get married anytime soon and because I've never had a girlfriend though, I'm hesitant to date anyone 30+

I feel old, but I also feel immature, so idk. I think I would disappoint the expectations of someone near my age xD But then again, I've met some really mature young people and laid back older people, so it makes it hard to define a preferable age gap.

-snips a long and detailed post about millennials and politics- Oh gawd, I nearly derailed another thread by bringing up politics. What has no nut November done to me? Anyways, the problem dating younger than 23 though, is less a cultural generational problem, and more a problem of emotional maturity. Girls do mature emotionally faster than men, and everyone matures at different ages. But in general, most girls I've met under 22 still haven't really come out of the oven yet, so to speak. That make sense?

@Makoto I agree with Choco's point- Whilst i think Generational differences play a big part (I'm Technically a Gen X/Millenial Crossover depending on who you ask). I also think what stage you're at in life plays a big part in it. I've seen the age gap get bigger for people in their 40s dating 20 something year olds but usually in most cases that 20 year old is done with university right. The time between High School and through University can be intimidating and crazy for many people. It's like a whirlwind and most don't really have a handle or control of their lives yet (even if they're super mature) This of course doesn't apply to all people but I think this would make it more difficult for mid 20s to date someone less than if they're around that and going through that experience. Alot of younger folk don't know themselves deeply yet (who they really are what they really want etc). These things can put a strain on a relationship. I know I find it difficult in a way because it's like I'm focused on my plan for life and career etc..not saying settle down exactly but I'm certainly not a stage in my life where every weekend i want to be out partying and/or getting fucked up. (again i stress I know not everyone is like this). But I think these drastically different stages in life can have a major impact on compatibility maybe more so than general Generational differences (especially if one is more open to those than the other).

I had something going on with this guy who is 7 years older than me. It felt like we were at two different stages in our lives and therefore wanted different things. Needless to say, it didn't work out. Yet people can get to certain stages in their lives at different speeds so I can't say I'd rule out anybody 7 years older ever again. It could depend on the specific person. If I had to select an age range to preferably stay in, I'd say maybe 5 years older/younger. Any younger than that, though, and I'd personally start to feel like a cougar... ^^;