'Cougar' Anyone? <img border="0" title="" alt="[Wink]" src="images/icons/wink.gif" />

I was watching a very interesting TV program last night on Discovery Health Channel about a new social class of women -- Cougars. These women are 'older,' single or divorced, and dating younger men. By younger I mean younger by sometimes up to 20 years!

The program was actually very fascinating, raising the issue of the appropriateness of older women dating, and sometimes marrying, younger men. Now, 'winter spring' romances between older men and younger women are quite common and acceptable in our society. Most 50+ guys dating 20- or 30-somethings get an 'atta boy' or a 'way to go' from their peers. But the double standard still lives when it comes to a 50-something woman dating a 30-something man.

What do ya'lls think about this?

I must admit, the idea of it both repelled me and fascinated me. I am a 50-something about to be divorced female and the prospect of dating men my age or older is not very appealing. I hate to generalize but here I go -- most men my age or older that I've noticed are not very attractive (yes, looks matter to me!). Overweight, out of shape, just 'let it go.' The balding doesn't bother me (I actually find that quite masculine/mature) as long as the rest of the man is in decent shape. I think women make more of an effort to maintain their looks as they age than men do. I know that's a pretty broad statement, but that is what I have noticed lately.

A couple of the stories/interviews in the show last night showed average but still attractive women in their late 40s early 50s who were dating men anywhere from 28 to 40. And the guys were loving it! The women talked about how their sexual needs were being better met by these younger guys, they had more fun with them, they didn't feel like the guys needed to 'control' them like older men did, and how they just were having a great time being with a younger man.

There were even couples who married -- a 28 year old man and a 51 year old woman -- and their life wasn't easy. The social pressures, had difficulty making friends, the general disapproval they got from society.

Anyone out there who has gone out with a significantly younger man? What are the differences? I'd love to hear any experiences, positive or negative, or your views on the subject.

Thoughts?
<img border="0" title="" alt="[Razz]" src="images/icons/tongue.gif" />

While my OW was not alot younger than I was, there was a ten year age gap.

I think it comes down to what you really want from a lover.

A young man or woman lacks the experience to really know what he/she wants in life. Some people find it fun to be in the "teacher" role. It's more about being in control of that person or knowing that that person doesn't have the wherewithall to control you.

Personally, I want an intellectual/emotional equal. I want someone who's actually experience the '70s instead of a kid who's only dressed for '70s day in junior high. You won't find that in someone who's 25 years younger than you.

JMHO, Older people who want to date MUCH younger lovers are looking for TOYS, not relationships. Not that there's anything wrong with that, but it's not something to build a future on.

Low

My mother was 14 years younger than my father. On a recent visit my mother and I were discussing him and she said, I had a great life with your father and our age difference was never a factor until it was time for him to retire and I was still very much in career mode. By the time I was ready to retire he had passed away.

Really stuck in my mind since my W is 10 years younger than me.