The dating world can be an exciting place where people meet, hook up and form relationships of various kinds. On the other hand, it can be a daunting and challenging place too. First off, an individual has to know how to look around and find the right person to date. As the relationship goes to a deeper, more intimate level, then it’s only a matter of time and choice whether a couple decides to finally commit to each other or leave things as they are. But, as what most people already know, the road to a serious relationship is never a smooth ride.

Things can always get bumpy, especially when a couple has to come up against the opinions and standards of society. An average, typical couple might experience this occasionally, but for people who are with somebody much older or younger than they are, this ride is what they often find themselves in. The scrupulous eye of society can’t help but stare, and there is always a chance that family and friends won’t immediately warm up to one’s partner, which can result to conflicts and ill feelings. What’s the big deal with age, anyway? After all, it’s just numbers! Alas, a significant age difference may not be an issue between a couple, but for a lot of people, it still is—which only proves that dealing with it is and can be very difficult.

Couples facing this dilemma must tough it out: sure, you can’t do anything about the age difference but there are some things that you can still do to make the relationship easier on both of you and your loved ones. Read on and learn how to deal with age difference in dating: In order for a relationship to flourish, a couple must have similar goals in terms of marriage, children and career. Couples usually have a time frame on when to get married, have kids and when to retire. However, in May/December affairs, setting these goals together may be quite difficult, especially if the age gap is quite significant.

For instance, if there is a 20-year gap between a couple, one may already be on the verge of retiring while the other is yet to start a family. Having common future goals, interests and desires can potentially overcome an age difference, no matter what size it is, so that a couple may have a better chance of smoothing out the relationship. Dealing with age difference sure is hard, but it’s no match when it comes to dealing with family and friends. They may find it hard to comprehend that the relationship is serious, and hostility is an all too common reaction which can make the situation very uncomfortable for everyone.

Children (no matter what age group) may feel resentful too, so it is particularly important to deal with everyone’s feelings and apprehensions with understanding, diplomacy and sincerity. It always helps to be truthful and open about the relationship with family and friends. With any luck, by showing them how you value and care for your partner will help them be more accepting of the situation. Although not everyone will warmly accept the relationship, just think of it this way: that these friends and relatives are simply expressing their concern. Don’t let the stress get the better of you and your partner; instead, show them that what you have is for real and is there to stay.