Age-Gap Relationships Lessons I Wish I Knew Before Dating My Husband, 15 Years My Senior

Age-Gap Relationships What I Wish I Knew Before Dating My Husband, 15 Years My Senior

A woman and a man sitting together and smiling. Courtesy of Brittany VanDerBill


When I reflect on my relationship with my husband, I can’t help but laugh at the challenges we faced as an age-gap couple. It’s almost like we were in a fashion show, strutting down the runway with our unique love story. Picture this: a young, vibrant lady and her dashing partner, with an age gap of 14 years. Now, that’s what I call a style statement that turned heads!

You see, our journey began in 2007 when we started dating. But here’s the hilarious twist: our families were already connected! His brother happened to marry my sister, making our love story a true fashion-forward fusion. Talk about a full circle moment!

Little did I know that embracing an age-gap relationship would come with unexpected fashion faux pas, leaving me scrambling to find the right accessories to complement my unique love story. So, sit back, relax, and let me guide you through the wild fashion ride I wish I had known about.

The Fashion Police Friends

At the age of 20, just on the verge of stepping into my senior year of college, I was swept off my feet by my now-husband, Andy, who happened to be 34 at the time. While our love blossomed, it seemed like some of my so-called friends were ready to turn into fashion police. They couldn’t resist cracking jokes about how “old” he was. Well, let me tell you, these friendships didn’t survive the catwalk. But hey, who needs those fashionably late friends anyway?

There was this one high school friend who initially showed some sparkle of support, accompanying me on trips to visit Andy in our hometown. However, as my relationship grew more serious, she started to fade into the background like a poorly chosen accessory. Clearly, she wasn’t the “it” factor I needed in my life.

Fashionably Mismatched Friends

As I graduated from college and made my way into the “real world” with Andy by my side, I couldn’t help but notice that our friends were strutting in different fashion circles. My old college pals were still rocking the party scene and part-time jobs, while Andy’s crew comprised settled professionals and parents with mini fashionistas in tow. It was like mixing high-end couture with streetwear, a clash of worlds that left me feeling like a confused fashion icon.

To make matters worse, our decision not to have kids added another layer of fashion dissonance. Imagine me, sitting with these lovely women discussing the ins and outs of pregnancy and motherhood, feeling like a fish out of water in my latest designer ensemble. The struggles were real, my friends.

Awkward Fashion Moments

When you’re in an age-gap relationship, you can expect a fair share of awkward fashion moments. Trust me, I’ve had my fair share of cringe-worthy encounters. Picture this: a family gathering where Andy’s cousin’s child innocently asks if I’m Andy’s daughter. Oh, the horror! I had to pretend I wasn’t as ageless as a wrinkle-resistant fabric.

Then there was that time at a local store when some acquaintance of Andy’s had the audacity to ask intrusive questions about my schooling. It was like he thought I was part of a matching set, a daughter to my man. Talk about a fashion disaster!

Styled for Success

But fear not, fellow fashion enthusiasts, for our love story has evolved like a stunning makeover. Despite the initial fashion blunders, we’ve managed to find friends who resonate with our unique style and have become irreplaceable accessories in our lives. Andy has kept his original crew close, while I’ve found a tribe that matches my vibrant personality. It’s like we’ve created a harmonious blend of modern and vintage fashion, the perfect balance.

And guess what? As the years passed, our age gap seemed to fade like last season’s trends. We’ve become a polished pair walking this fashion-forward runway of life hand-in-hand. It’s been 14 years since our love affair began, and we’re still strutting with confidence, making waves in the world of age-gap fashion.

So remember, my fellow fashion-forward friends, love knows no boundaries, not even age. Embrace your unique style, surround yourself with the right accessories, and keep rocking that runway. After all, life is too short to conform to society’s fashion rules.


How about you? Have you ever faced any fashion challenges in your relationships? Share your stories and let’s giggle together!