Pervert or Sugar?

Is age really just a number? Can you truly embrace and relate to someone decades apart in age from you on a romantic level?  Will you have regrets further down after being apart of a relationship where age is, in fact, a factor?

In this dating game, especially after a LEGAL age of twenty-one, you are likely to meet someone a little bit older or younger than you, or possibly a whole lot older or younger than you! When you're the older of the two and your mate is half your age, you're looked at as a pervert for basically dating a "child". Some may even look at you as if you're taking advantage of the younger person because of your experience and age. When you're the younger of the two and your mate is half your age, you're looked at as being manipulated or taking advantage of, but in some instances you're praised for making a come-up! Possibly gaining a "sugar-momma" or "sugar-daddy" because of the apparent age difference, and assumed increased income bracket that should be present.  

I had a friend whom dated an obvious older man. They dated for the better parts of her life. Now, ten-plus years after she's been with him; she feels robed of her youth. He was older, so his ideals of fun, entertainment, and excitement were much different than hers. Because he was older, the more financial provider, and clearly the more experienced in life; she looked to him for advice, assistance, and leverage which now, costs her years of her life!

Same situation with a guy I knew that dated an older woman. She was financially stable, had her own place, was "grown", took care of him. Let's face it; for a 22 or 23 year older, that's a come up! He enjoyed that life, that is...until he didn't! By the age of 25 he felt trapped and miserable. He wanted out!

I had a friend that dated a much, much younger girl. Yes, she was of LEGAL age, and even had kids, but her circumstances and mind were immature. He enjoyed the "look" of having a younger broad on his shoulder but after awhile her immaturity weighed on him and he wanted out!

A lady I knew dated a younger guy. She enjoyed the "Cougar" title at first but after awhile she felt like a nagging mother asking him to pick up behind himself, taking care of him, etc, etc, etc.

I'm not saying this is the case all the time, or with each situation, but, I wonder...

Is age really just a number? Can you truly embrace and relate to someone decades apart in age from you on a romantic level?  Will you have regrets further down after being apart of a relationship where age is in fact a factor?