When it comes to the matter of love, there is little one can do, as most times it comes in different colours, backgrounds, shapes, and age groups. So the idea of setting rules or law on a certain age bracket, a man and a woman can be permitted to get married, is not conceivable due to several reasons, and I will be highlighting some in this post.
As stated earlier, we don't really have the direct power to choose who we fall in love with, as several circumstances come into play before our heart gives way, and age is not one of the major criteria during these moments.
I understand that everyone has their taste when it comes to choosing a partner for various reasons, while some prefer spouses with the same age or close age bracket as them, so they could vibe as friends, understand each other better, and grow old following the trends together, not one person leaving one behind, or the older one feeling like his or her spouse is childish.
Some others might prefer a significantly older spouse with valid reasons as well, especially we the females, we prefer our man between the 8-10 years age difference gap, so as to feel protected, having someone who is more experienced than us. Some men also choose much younger women because they feel having a spouse who is the same age as them would make her age faster than them, as they believe female biological clocks run faster than the male folks.
From these points of view, we can't choose right or wrong, because as humans, we have the power of choice and know what we feel comfortable with, or what is best for us. So, setting an age restriction on who you can marry will be a form of restricting people's freedom.
What the government should be more focused on is stopping child marriage, the rule of 18 being considered as adult age, and being able to make their own decisions. Despite this law, there are still child marriages happening every day in some parts of the country, especially the northern part. Over here, the focus should start from there. Only then will the law be accepted in that aspect.
As for deciding the age gaps between couples, that should be a personal thing. I remember when a young female celebrity in Nigeria was bashed for marrying a man old enough to be her father. Despite all the hateful comments, she is still happily married today, while some of her colleagues who went for younger men are filing for a divorce. Happiness in marriage is beyond age gap, it entails a lot more than that. The main thing is choosing who you feel comfortable playing forever with.
In conclusion, the goal should be to have a society that values and supports all individuals, regardless of their relationship choices. We must prioritize mutual respect, trust, and communication. When we do so, we can build stronger, more fulfilling relationships and create a more inclusive and compassionate society for all.
**Image is generated using Meta AI**