A big age discrepancy between spouses may serve as a way to ostracize the couple socially - May-December romances are less accepted in society; thus, these couples may not receive the social and familial support they need. Most women do tend to marry older men and have for quite some time, but researchers find that mates who are the same age, like Prince William and Kate Middleton, are the ideal match. So should you write off a potential mate simply because of an age difference? Of course not. The age factor is one facet of your compatibility; as long as it isn't an issue for you, your friends and family, then there's no reason you can't have a successful relationship.