How Old Is Too Old? Alabama Has an Answer

Age may be nothing but a number, but apparently Alabamians still think that number has a limit when it comes to dating.

A new survey from The Matchmaking Company asked more than 2,400 Americans about relationships between consenting adults with significant age differences, and Alabama residents had an interesting answer.

According to the survey, Alabamians believe the maximum acceptable age gap in a romantic relationship is approximately 11 years.

But opinions across the country are far from settled.

About 40% of Americans surveyed said they've had a casual romantic or sexual encounter with someone at least 10 years older or younger. Another 34% said they've been in a relationship lasting at least one month with someone separated from them by 10 years or more.

Once the difference reaches 15 years, Americans are almost perfectly divided.

The survey found 35% consider a relationship with a 15-year-or-greater age gap acceptable, while another 35% consider it unacceptable. The remaining 30% are neutral.

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Despite those experiences, most people apparently aren't searching for a partner dramatically older or younger than themselves.

Women surveyed said their ideal partner is an average of 2.4 years older, while men prefer someone about 1.6 years younger.

The results also suggest people's opinions can change depending on the ages involved and which partner is older.

But Alabama's number gives us a much better question:

If the state's unofficial cutoff is 11 years, is that about right, or should two consenting adults be able to date regardless of the age difference?