There is a social rule as to how much older one can be in love with than one’s own age. If the age gap is large, the relationship is not looked upon favorably by society, unequal age relationships are often controversial.

It is recommended to adhere to certain age-based parameters while engaging in relationships. According to that rule, divide your age by two and add 7 to find the socially acceptable minimum age for a partner.

For example: If you are 32 years old, you can have a romantic relationship with someone younger than 23 years old. This age gap is socially acceptable. Similarly, subtract 7 from your age to calculate your partner’s maximum age. Double the result to get the maximum age limit. If you are 32, then the maximum age of your partner should be 50 according to calculations.

Although this rule is widely known, according to experts, it is not a binding rule. Just a helpful guideline for a productive relationship.

According to famous American relationship expert David Bennett, “This rule will help you stay within a certain age range, which will ensure more common interests with you and your partner and will be helpful in exchanging ideas with your partner.”

“But if you find someone outside of the norm that makes you happy, I’d say don’t reject them and move forward with them,” says David Bennett.

About another expert. Carol Roderick says she doesn’t recommend that clients follow this rule of thumb, but she does encourage them to think carefully about the maximum and minimum age gap between couples. According to him, the most dangerous aspect of dating a partner with a large age gap is not finding common interests between the two. Because of the long gap, your goals and lifestyle may have made a big difference.

This age norm is considered socially acceptable. But it should not always be right, said Dr. Carol. “If you follow the age-and-a-half-plus-seven rule, be aware that it may not be perfect or truly reflect age-related relationships,” he says.

But it’s also worth noting that a 2014 study by the Social Science Research Network found that the larger the age gap between couples, the more likely they are to break up. While the probability of divorce is 18 percent for a 5-year age gap, 39 percent for a 10-year age gap, and 95 percent for a 20-year age gap.

You don’t have to strictly follow the age rule. But it can help you choose the right age partner to build a strong relationship.