For example, my girlfriend and I are 5 years apart (I was born in 2003, she in 2008). We met in December of last year and started dating this February. From what I’ve observed online, in the US our relationship would probably be heavily criticized, but here in Romania, a 5-year age gap isn’t considered significant.
This at least explains the thought process behind this outlook, which is what my question was about in the first place. Thanks.