I think in some cultures, sadly, a woman is considered nothing without a husband...don't know if that has anything to do with it in THIS case, but it is true in some parts of the world.
several people i know got married who both are 20 or 40 yrs apart (not sure how far apart?) due to love.. i was like ok.. thats their business.. i used to date my sons father.. i am only 5 yrs older than him.. it didnt bother me.. i did dated a guy 22 yrs older than me. it didnt bother me, too.