My kids were born 17 years apart. My daughter and I grew up together, my son is getting a different version of me.

Tech Insider : Business, Travel
A girl is shown from behind on a tree swing.
The author said that motherhood feels different the second time around.

Courtesy of Frankie Samah

I'm 40, and one of my best friends is 97. He's changed my definition of success and gives me the best advice.

Tech Insider : Business, Technology
Melissa Noble and Bryan Hipwell celebrating his 97th birthday.
The author and her friend Bryan have a 57-year age gap.

Courtesy of Melissa Noble

My 3 kids are all 5 years apart. The age gap brings benefits and challenges.

Tech Insider : Business, Style
Black and white photo of the author with her family.
The author's kids are all five years apart.

Kaylee Chelsea Photography

My husband is 10 years older than me. The age gap was noticeable when we first started parenting, but now I see it as an asset.

Tech Insider : Business
A family posing together.
My husband already had one child when we met, and we've added three more to our family. While our age difference was noticeable at first, I now see it as an asset.

Courtesy of Rachel Schneider.

I've been in an arranged marriage for 18 years. Our relationship works because we see the world differently.

Tech Insider : Business
A couple stands on a bridge overlooking a city.
In the past 18 years I've seen how our differences have made us a stronger couple.

Courtesy of Neelma Faraz.

My parents had my youngest sister when I was 17. Helping care for her made me feel older than my peers.

Tech Insider : Business, Travel
A girl sits with a baby in a high chair at the kitchen table studying for a university class.
I was 17 when my youngest sister (not pictured) was born. At times, I felt more like her third parent than a sibling.

RichVintage/Getty Images

I dated a man 15 years older, and everyone criticized me. Some said I was a gold digger and had daddy issues, but I loved him.

Tech Insider
Man and woman enjoying morning coffee together
A couple enjoying an early-morning coffee together.

Zinkevych/Getty Images

I dated a man 20 years older than me. He helped me jump-start my career and open up emotionally.

Tech Insider
a young woman and older man on a date, drinking coffee
The author, not pictured, was in an age-gap relationship.

Simonkr/Getty Images

I'm 30, and my best friend is 75. She's shaped how I approach relationships.

Tech Insider
Gill and Hannah, center, on a double date with their partners Howard and Brendan, standing outside a restaurant.
The author, second from right, has gone on double dates with her partner and her best friend Gill.

Courtesy of Hannah Wilkinson

My brother and I were born 16 years apart. We had different childhoods, but we've realized we have a lot in common.

Tech Insider
Nia Springer-Norris with her brother, Winston, sitting at a restaurant.
Nia Springer-Norris and her brother Winston are 16 years apart in age.

Courtesy of Nia Springer-Norris

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