If you subscribe to the “rule of seven,” the question of where the boundaries of a socially acceptable relationship lie arent a matter of opinion—theyre clearly defined. 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.

How many years apart in age is too much?

Think of 10 years as a general guideline, but be open to other ages as well—and dont limit yourself to dating only someone older. Cast a wide net is what I tell all my clients,” Sussman says. “Men should date older, and women should be OK experimenting with dating younger.