Age gap marriages where the older part of the couple was still very attractive when they met but then middle age hits. So at 35 and 27 they’re evenly matched but at 45 and 37 they aren’t and at 50 and 42 they definitely aren’t.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:People age differently. But typically, by the 50s, it's often the man who looks better. Maybe it's exercise and diet. Maybe menopause really hits women. But generally, a man who takes care of himself has a much longer stay in the attractive box. It's very distinct for couples in their 40s/50s.

There are also a lot of women who get hit hard by pregnancy and childbirth.

Yeh they keep it together to get the man then let themselves go

It’s cliche but my DH is just really charismatic and friendly, even though his looks are just average. He is tall and proportional though. But he genuinely enjoys talking to anyone who wants to talk.

Anonymous wrote:People age differently. But typically, by the 50s, it's often the man who looks better. Maybe it's exercise and diet. Maybe menopause really hits women. But generally, a man who takes care of himself has a much longer stay in the attractive box. It's very distinct for couples in their 40s/50s.

There are also a lot of women who get hit hard by pregnancy and childbirth.

Anonymous wrote:People age differently. But typically, by the 50s, it's often the man who looks better. Maybe it's exercise and diet. Maybe menopause really hits women. But generally, a man who takes care of himself has a much longer stay in the attractive box. It's very distinct for couples in their 40s/50s.

I agree, but I think it’s because the standard for men is much lower. I know multiple couples in their 50s where people could say that the man is more attractive (probably including our family). When they started out, they were at about the same level - average. If the guy didn’t gain too much weight, was lucky to keep his hair (which now can be salt and pepper) and is not a slob, suddenly he is good looking for a middle aged man. The woman, on the other hand, must have physical features that are not commensurate with her age - no grey hair, no wrinkles, pre-menopausal figure, etc - in order to be considered good looking.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Yes, I know a woman who was very funny and, while nice looking, was never a true beauty. She consistently attracted extremely athletic and handsome men. Back in her teens and twenties, she was petite and had jet black hair. Now she's very overweight with grey hair. She did have clear skin and a nice smile. Her husband and her ex boyfriends still look pretty good. All are late 50s or early 60s now.

Headling: Easy Butterface Follows Familiar Path

Lol, yeah. "That girls seems REALLY popular with the boys. I wonder what it is?"

My DH was getting carded until his mid 40s.
It was ridiculous. He looked mid/late 20s.

He is fit but now is showing signs of being older - not that much but does not get carded anymore.

Anonymous wrote:What do you think the reasons are for this? Money, settling?

Most longtime couples start out equals or with only slight differentials and then they age differently looks-wise. I don’t think many people get together with someone that is noticeably less attractive to begin with, unless it’s a very rich man with a beautiful woman for the obvious reasons.

Anonymous wrote:Yes, I know a woman who was very funny and, while nice looking, was never a true beauty. She consistently attracted extremely athletic and handsome men. Back in her teens and twenties, she was petite and had jet black hair. Now she's very overweight with grey hair. She did have clear skin and a nice smile. Her husband and her ex boyfriends still look pretty good. All are late 50s or early 60s now.

Headling: Easy Butterface Follows Familiar Path

Anonymous wrote:People age differently. But typically, by the 50s, it's often the man who looks better. Maybe it's exercise and diet. Maybe menopause really hits women. But generally, a man who takes care of himself has a much longer stay in the attractive box. It's very distinct for couples in their 40s/50s.

Not to my eye but I can’t stand baldness and most wealthy women make some moderate interventions to stay looking good.

DH is much better looking than me, though I think we were pretty evenly matched, with me having the slight ended when we met, dated, and married. Age has not been overly kind to either of us, but far worse for me. I am 50 and really quite unattractive now.

Yes, I know a woman who was very funny and, while nice looking, was never a true beauty. She consistently attracted extremely athletic and handsome men. Back in her teens and twenties, she was petite and had jet black hair. Now she's very overweight with grey hair. She did have clear skin and a nice smile. Her husband and her ex boyfriends still look pretty good. All are late 50s or early 60s now.

Anonymous wrote:DH was always the better looking among the two of us, though I could hold my own. We met in our mid-20s. He looks even better now in our mid-50s while time has not been as kind to my looks. If someone saw us as a couple for the first time now I’m sure they’d have a raised eyebrow.

Same. My DH and I were pretty matched 20 years ago but time has been kinder to him than me.

Yes, and it’s usually the men who are better looking as I think they age out better.

In our 20s my husband was very skinny and kind of funny looking. People always said he looked like the skinny guy from Road Trip. On our honeymoon the tour guide even teased me about why I was with him. But now he has gained a bit and has a beard and always looks very well groomed. So I think we are equal now...I hope!