gavinmac wrote:I'm wondering what you guys think is the ideal age difference in a relationship between a Western man and a Cambodian woman. When I say "ideal" I mean ideal from the perspective of the man.
When I started posting on this site ten years ago, I would post about looking for a 22 year-old wife or girlfriend. Back then, I was in my early to mid 30's, so that would have been about a ten year age difference. Those same women who were 22 at the time are now 30 or older, and I'm torn as to whether I should be pursuing 30 year olds now or still pursuing 22 year olds.
Part of the reason why Western men here get involved with local women is because they can leverage their financial superiority to get a younger and more beautiful woman here than they can back home. If that's the goal, I guess you should always go as young as possible.
Guys who are involved with Cambodian women who are the same age as they are will probably say they have more in common with their partners. I don't know if that's true, I really don't feel like I have more in common with a 32 year old Cambodian woman vs. a 22 year old.
There are other considerations. Face, of course. When I see an older guy with an attractive Asian woman who is 15-20 years younger, I often think, "Good for him." When I see one with a woman who is 25-40 years younger, I think, "Loser with gold-digger."
Then there's the sex angle. When I'm 55, do I want to be married to a 50 year old Cambodian hag when all my friends are dating or having sex with 25 year olds? Probably not. But when I'm 55 will I want to be having sex 3-5 times a week with a 25 year old wife or girlfriend? God no. That sounds exhausting even now.
I think about 15 years may be the ideal age difference, as she'll still undoubtedly be more attractive than you are, but you won't look stupid together or be from totally different generations. Feel free to offer your opinions or vote in the poll.
An old, interesting but interesting debate. I could not vote because the option I would choose is not there. It really depends on how old you are.
In the west, I would say ...
Early 20s -- anything more than 5 years gets creepy.
Mid 30s --- see no problem with a 10 year age difference.
Mid 40s --- up to 15 years is perfectly normal.
By 50s even 20 to 25 years can be ok.
After 25 years it can look a bit weird --- but I will not begrudge an older guy in his 60s or even 70s wanting a girl in her mid/late 20s/early 30s for companionship before his ticket finally gets punched.
Your outlook changes as you get older. 20 years ago I would never dream of being in a relationship with an age difference of more than 10 years. Now I have no problem with it. I am 50 and my GF is 29 ---- no -- I do not pay a salary or even support family for that matter; and as to maturity -- she probably wins that contest.
I think you also have to consider local Cambodia conditions. If you are in your late 40s or 50s the chances of meeting a "relationship worthy" woman within 10 years of your age are quite limited unless through an office environment or an introduction from friends. Most of the "eligible girls" you meet out (cashiers, waitresses, retail employees, customer service types) are well below age 35.
At the end of the day it's nobody's business, as long as the difference is not obscenely great. Also Age is not the only factor. You might be much happier with a girl 15 to 20 years younger who has some intelligence and perhaps even traveled overseas, than a lady closer to your age, but has never seen or even imagined anything outside of cambodia.