You may wonder how long the average relationship will last according to your age group. The biggest factor in assessing the potential for a lasting relationship is the couple's level of maturity.
How Long Does the Average Relationship Last According to Age?
Scientific data exists that can be used as a baseline for how long the average relationship will last. However, it's important to remember that relationships are as unique as the individuals in the relationship. This means your relationship may fall within the statistical parameters or fall outside to be the exception.
Teens 12- to 18-Years-Old
Some surveys for teenagers include 12-year-olds up to the age of 18-years-old. Some of these ages are broken down and groups together for evaluation purposes.
12- to 14-Years-Old
Teenagers between the ages of 12 and 14 have a difficult time staying together. According to Assistant Professor Kate Fogarty, Department of Family, Youth and Community Sciences, Cooperative Extension Service, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences of the University of Florida, the average romantic relationship span for a 12- to 14-year-old is five months.
15- to 16-Years-Old
Fogarty writes that 15- to 16-year-old teenagers often stay together for two years or longer. She points out that a determining factor in how long a teen relationship lasts is partly dependent upon their ability to communicate and resolve conflict. This skill is attributed to parents with healthy and strong relationships. Their conflict resolution skills are imbued to their teenagers.
16- to 18-Years-Old
How long the average relationship lasts for the age group of 16- to 18-years-old is close to the figure Fogarty cited for 15- and 16-year-olds. According to the National Institutes of Health, teenagers 16 years old to 18 years old have relationships that last 1.8 years.
20-Something
Young adults in their 20s have longer lasting relationships. These relationships can last up to four years or slightly longer. Maturity breeds greater patience in relationships. 20+ young adults are still searching for their place in society, setting a career path and typically aren't ready to settle down with a mate.
30-Year-Olds
The longevity of relationships increase when individuals reach 30+. They think about finding a partner to start a family and build a future. They are hitting their stride in their careers and settling down becomes attractive.
Increase in Length of Relationships
30+ year olds have learned about relationships through trial and error and have a better idea what they want in a life mate. According to the Washington Post, once the relationship passes the one-year marker, statistics for breakups decrease. In fact, the five-year-marker for unmarried couples has a breakup rate of 20%. Unmarried couples who have been together for 20 years have a 10% breakup rate.
30- to 59-Year-Old Adults in United Kingdom
A survey featured on Statista for the United Kingdom (UK) was conducted for the age range of 30-years-old to 59-years-old. While singles were included in the survey, those reporting to be married had been so for 10 years or longer. Others within the 30-50 age range who were in a relationship stated they'd been in a relationship for more than a year.
Truth About How Long the Average Relationship Lasts
The romantic relationships of teenagers seem to last the shortest of various age groups. This is due in part to inexperience and immaturity that time eventually remedies.
