In such relationships, outsiders may whisper about "gold-digging," especially if the older individual is wealthy. Another term commonly used in reference to this type of relationship is "cradle robbing" which indicates that the younger person in the relationship would have been a baby when the other person was old enough to date. Despite the jokes, slurs, and talk about May-December relationships, they do exist. So, what is the appeal? Do they work? Consider the following:

The things we want from a relationship depend a lot on our personal histories and personalities. The things that make a relationship work have little to do with age, but everything to do with the way you interact and communicate. So, having one person be older or younger is going to work well for some, and not so well for others.

Experience combined with vivacity can make for a fun relationship. While dating your peers can be exciting, often dating someone from a different place in live can add a depth of interest to the relationship that can make it very exciting, and at the very least not boring. It creates a learning environment where the relationship is always growing because you are presented with multiple opportunities to educate and inspire one another. For example, if he has grandkids that are taking advantage of him, she can learn early to set her funds up in a way that will not allow for this to happen to her. He may learn about finding excitement in life, even if it is something you have experienced a million times.

Most May-December romances have the male as the older role, and the female in the younger, however this does not have to be the case. However, the appeal for most women in this is that the older man tends to be more patient, forgiving, and sincere than men in the same age range. They tend to be less volatile, or at least less driven by hormones. For a man the appeal may be that they are needed. They can offer wisdom and experience to someone of a younger age that is not of value to someone their own age. They may be retired, and so it is satisfying for them to feel needed. Additionally, it helps them feel good about themselves because it shows them that they still have it enough to attract a younger woman.

Who is in the relationship and what they want out of it. You do not have to be young and the person you are dating old for you to be a "gold digger." People often date for ulterior motives, they just may not be as obvious as they are in a May-December romance. Whether or not the relationship works depends on what the two parties want from it.

Your personal beliefs will affect what you think of this type of romance. If you could never see yourself dating someone as old as your father, or as young as your child, then a May-December relationship is not for you. However, just because it is not for you, doesn't mean it doesn't work for others. Remember, just because you don't like something, doesn't mean it is a bad thing. So, consider your opinions on the subject, and what affects those. Remember, it is not your relationship, so don't judge it.