Kaia Gerber Details Downsides of “Always” Dating People Older Than Her

by

Kaia Gerber admits she hasn’t always been in model relationships. 

The 24-year-old explained that differences in age in her previous relationships sometimes led to problems and unhealthy patterns.

I used to be very different – I’d completely alter who I was, even my core beliefs, to please someone else,” Kaia shared on the Oct. 1 episode of Jake Shane‘s Therapuss podcast. “I consistently dated older people, and because of that, I was quick to sacrifice everything I had.”

The supermodel-who has previously dated Austin Butler, Pete Davidson and Jacob Elordi-explained that putting her own desires aside was how she used to express love.

I told them, ‘I’d prove my love by sacrificing everything for them,’ but that’s not a healthy way to earn respect or build a lasting relationship,” Kaia explained. “Eventually, you start being yourself more in the relationship. And they realize, ‘I actually preferred the person I thought you were before.’”

Now, she understands she wasn’t solely responsible for the lack of connection. In her own words, “It’s my fault. But, honestly, they share some of the blame too.”

That doesn’t necessarily mean Kaia will never date an older man again. She explained that she’s currently “being healed” through her relationship with Lewis Pullman, 32, with romance rumors starting back in January.

What’s the secret to their unique love story? Kaia explained that she and the Lessons in Chemistry actor were friends before becoming a couple.

She believes that dating a friend is a great idea, saying, “It’s just so much better.” She explained that she values her friendships too much to risk conflict. “I would never want to fight with my friends. I never want to be mad at my friends. I respect my friends. It just is a whole other thing,” she added.

Kaia added, “Sometimes, you forget that you like someone when you love them.”

For more stars who have gotten candid about the age gaps in their relationships, keep reading. 

The actresses are used to people commenting on their 32-year age difference.

“If anyone chooses to worry about me being with such an amazing person, that’s their issue,” Sarah explained to Modern Luxury in 2018 when talking about her relationship with Holland. “I’m perfectly happy.”

Regarding the former Project Runway host, she dismisses any criticism about the 16-year age difference between her and the Tokio Hotel guitarist.

“I’ve noticed people questioning and commenting on the fact that my boyfriend is significantly younger than I am,” she told InStyle in 2018. “Age only becomes an issue when people bring it up and ask me about it. Otherwise, I don’t give it much thought.”

And Heidi-who later married Tom-made it clear she intends to continue living life as she chooses.

“The key is to live happily and not worry excessively about others’ opinions,” the supermodel added, “because worrying will only accelerate the aging process.”

Meanwhile, the Quantico star has called out a double standard.

While she noted people have a lot to say about her being 10 years old than the Jonas Brother singer, she suggested this wouldn’t be the case if it were the other way around.

“People gave us a lot of s–t about that and still do,” Priyanka told InStyle. “I find it really amazing when you flip it and the guy is older, no one cares and actually people like it.”

And if you asked the Fifty Shades of Grey director, she’d explain that the 23-year age difference between her and the Kraven the Hunter actor rarely crosses their minds.

“It honestly doesn’t,” she stated in a 2024 interview with The Guardian. “It only becomes a topic when people ask about it. Outsiders tend to focus on it, probably because we seem a little unusual. But after 14 years together, you’d think it wouldn’t matter anymore, right?”

Sam also noted that her relationship with Aaron has actually lasted longer than her marriage to her former husband Jay Jopling, who was about four years her senior.

“When you look at it that way,” she added, “the age gap really seems insignificant.”

Despite sharing a birthday (September 25th), the couple experiences differences in perspective.

“There’s a significant age gap – my husband is 25 years older than I am,” the Chicago star explained to WSJ. Magazine back in 2021. “Like any relationship, we have our challenges, but love and respect are what keep us grounded.”

The Parent Trap actor might say that only he and the cofounder of Bonniedale Films need to concern themselves with their relationship. Just the two of them. Do you understand?

However, Dennis shared that he and Laura aren’t bothered by any attention surrounding her being 39 years his junior.

“We honestly don’t even pay attention to it,” he told Today in 2021 regarding their age gap. “I’ve never connected with anyone as well as I connect with her. We have a wonderful relationship. And love will always find a way, no matter what. You can’t predict when or who love will come with, and you can’t control it. We are simply very happy together.”

The yoga instructor has admitted she used to judge couples with big age gaps before her relationship with the actor, who is 26 years her senior.

“Alec and I are on all the lists of ‘Celebrities with the Biggest Age Differences’ and stuff like that,” she explained on her podcast Witches Anonymous in 2022. “And I would look at it and be like, ‘This older man wants some young bimbo with no opinions whatsoever. And then that younger woman is obviously a gold digger, and she obviously doesn’t even care and is just like OK, whatever, I hope you die and I’m gonna take all your money.'”

However, she’s since had a change of heart.

“Now that I’m in that relationship and people will say those things about me regularly, I’m like, ‘Oh my God, why was this trained into my head? Why was I so judgmental about other people who are literally just finding love?'” she added. “And maybe their love looks different from you, and from your love, or from what I thought love would be, but it doesn’t make it not valid.”

Get ready, because The Devil Wears Prada actor revealed he almost broke up with his literary agent when they first started dating.

“I’m 21 years older than her, and I didn’t want to feel old for the rest of my life!” Stanley explained on BBC Radio 4’s Desert Island Discs in 2023. “But I realized she was a truly remarkable person.”

The Alfie actress and the Lift actor are aware that not everyone will understand their relationship.

 “It’s understandable that some people might find it confusing,” Oli explained to Vogue, mentioning their 15-year age difference, “but we’ve only experienced love and happiness.” 

And Sienna made it clear that other people’s understanding isn’t necessary.

“You can’t force feelings or make someone understand love,” she said. “I know I certainly can’t.”

The Jurassic Park star shared a funny story about a moment with his wife, who is 30 years younger than him.

“I asked her, ‘If I were one of The Beatles, which one would I be?’” he recalled on The Hoda Show. “She said, ‘Rex Harrison.’ I pointed out, ‘Hold on, we just watched My Fair Lady yesterday – I think you’re mixing things up!’”

Jeff explained that it didn’t take Emilie long to realize she actually meant George Harrison. 

“That’s just one example of how we’re different,” he said, referring to their age difference. He added that, aside from having different cultural references, life together is “going really well so far.”

The model also isn’t rushing to defend the 20-year age difference between herself and the actor from any criticism.

“I’m really inspired and drawn to his wisdom and strength, which often come with experience,” she explained to Glamour in 2013. “Our connection isn’t about age at all. Careers fluctuate, but having someone who believes in you at home is what truly sustains you.”

As for how the American Idol alum feels about any judgment towards her nearly 35-year age gap with the composer? Probably so over it.

“I totally get the judgment initially, but things are never as they appear,” Katharine said on Dr. Berlin’s Informed Pregnancy Podcast in 2023. “And I’m in love with our love story, and that’s all that matters is that I’m in love with the love story.”

It’s definitely not a secret how Kristin felt about the 13-year age difference with her former boyfriend Mark Estes. 

“I wasn’t looking to date someone 24 years old,” The Hills star explained on her podcast Let’s Be Honest in March 2024. “It wasn’t something I ever imagined happening. If you listen to the podcast, you know I used to think 30-year-olds were too young for me.” 

Kristin acknowledged how it “looked from the outside,” but she maintained that Mark wasn’t like most 24-year-olds and that a person is more than just their age. 

“I truly believe age is just a number,” she added. “It’s about your life experiences and how you were brought up. There are so many things that contribute to maturity besides age.”

However, some time later, Kristin revealed that she and Mark had broken up.

“I truly believe he needs to go out and live his life to the fullest,” she shared on her podcast in October. “He’s still young, and I’ve realized how much changes with life experience. When I think back to being 24, so much has happened since then. Those years are really important – they shape who you become – and he needs the chance to figure things out for himself.”

Despite everything, she described their relationship as “the best” she’s ever had and hopes Mark will eventually see that their separation was the right thing to do.

“I’m confident that someday he’ll look back and understand,” she continued, “and I genuinely believe he’ll eventually thank me.”

When the Oscar winner first developed feelings for the lawyer, he wasn’t sure if she felt the same way.

“I was attracted to her, but I didn’t want to rush things,” George explained on The Howard Stern Show regarding the beginning of his relationship with Amal. “I wasn’t sure if she reciprocated. I was 17 years older, so she might have seen me as an older man.”

But she actually felt the same way, and the couple married in 2014.

Age isn’t important to the Bachelor graduate, even though he’s 18 years older than his wife. He explained on his The Viall Files podcast in March 2025 that, “Physical attraction is key when there’s a significant age difference.”

Read More

2025-10-02 05:48