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Questions & Answers

Age Difference

Faith Q&A › Metropolitan Youssef › Marriage and Family › Age Difference

The question

Is it acceptable for a girl to be interested in a guy who is two years younger than her? I feel like I am making a mistake because people will judge me.

The answer

In general, it is always advised that the man is older, but a two-year difference with the woman being older, is acceptable if there are no other issues involved. Also, you will need to get a special permission from your bishop for the marriage according to the canons of the Holy Synod. Usually, it is granted, but its purpose is for both of you to be aware of the challenges that will face you because of the difference in age. Challenges are like jealousy, inverted roles, inverted submission, etc. Also, you need not worry about being judged regarding this matter as it is when the difference is five or more years, because that can be problematic and discouraged.

Answered by His Eminence Metropolitan Youssef (opens in a new tab)

Questions answered by His Eminence Metropolitan Youssef (opens in a new tab) of the Coptic Orthodox Diocese of the Southern United States. Question 2425 on the Diocese’s Q&A site. Questions and answers © Coptic Orthodox Diocese of the Southern United States. All rights reserved.