Age-gap relationships are often met with judgment.

Here, experts debunk the common stereotypes that surround them.

I was 24, and he was 47.

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Mel Riley is a senior accredited psychotherapist based in the United Kingdom.

And based on my experience, its not simply benign inquisitiveness propelling the interest.

I dont believe so.

Two people’s legs touch under a table as they work on their laptops.

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In either scenario, its the woman in a heterosexual relationship who is stigmatized, Dr. Morrison says.

Gigi Engle, sex educator

Additionally, there could be a big imbalance in life goals.

But none of the younger parties I spoke with throughout my reporting felt this way.

Books on grief are seen floating against a backdrop of clouds.

I think it gives us complementary perspectives, Alexa says of their age gap.

In my experience, nothing could be further from the truth.

Pretending that there isnt [a power imbalance] is where you might run into problems, Engle says.

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It takes communication, self-awareness, and a lot of difficult and often awkward conversations.

She describes herself as a youthful, high-energy person who has always gotten along well with younger people.

As with any relationship, we all have strengths and weaknesses.

Michelle Monaghan, Carrie Coon, and Leslie Bibb in The White Lotus, symbolizing toxic friendships.

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Learning to accept help from each others strong points is important, regardless of age.

Whether its judgment from family, or criticism from outside, that can cause a real sense of shame.

That was the case for Emily, 37, and her husband of 14 years, Ben, 56.

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Courtesy Berkley Publishing