According to the rule, you divide your age by two and then add seven to calculate the socially acceptable minimum age for a partner. For example, if youre 32, you can date someone as young as 23 while remaining in the realm of socially acceptable, according to the calculation.

What is the maximum acceptable age difference in a relationship?

According to the rule, the age of the younger partner (regardless of gender) should be no less than seven more than half the older partners age. Martin, then, shouldnt date anyone younger than 26 and a half; Lawrence shouldnt go above 34. The rule is widely cited, but its origins are hard to pin down.