More Than Just Numbers

Shuffle - For Once In My Life (Michael Bublé)

Half your age plus 7.
Is that number less than the age of your partner?

If you answered yes, then you're dating someone too young for you.
Or are you...?

It's a rule of thumb to judge whether the age difference in an intimate relationship is socially acceptable. Reversibly, if you're dating someone older, subtract your age by 7 and multiply it by 2 to find out if you're dating someone too old for you. Neat'o!

Inevitably, the question of, 'who is "society" to judge whether or not someone is too young or old for me to date?,' will arise. I believe that it's just a matter of ethics and personal principles. Afterall, I did say 'rule of thumb'. So the whole half-your-age-plus-7 thing is just a rough estimation; A practical rule that's not based on the precision of measurement and science.

Half my age plus 7? Subtract 7 from my age, then multiply it by 2? That gives me an age range of 17.5 to 28 years. Okaaay... I find the thought of myself dating someone who's barely legal (18 years) rather revolting. And honestly, I wouldn't mind going out with someone who's 30. So there!

Do you agree with your "socially acceptable" age range?