Age is just a number. You've probably heard and, or said, this line plenty of times, whether it was your grandma telling you that age didn't stop her and Grandpa from getting married, to that creepy old guy at the bar trying to get with you. However, does it really hold true when a significantly older woman is dating a younger man?
"Cougaring" became popular with celebrity cougars such as Demi Moore and Mariah Carey. The two celebrities and their equally famous partners, Ashton Kutcher and Nick Cannon, respectively, defied the social stigma that the male partners in a heterosexual relationship are supposed to be older than the female. Since then, the Countess herself, LuAnn de Lesseps and a fellow member of "The Real Housewives of New York City," Carole Radziwill have both dated younger men (and battled about who goes younger).
If you have ever been a cougar: you will totally agree with what I have to say. If you have never been a cougar yourself, you definitely have a friend who has swung a little lower than her own age. My hope in writing this article is that you can either relate to what I have to say in some way, or you will make your decision on whether or not you should slip that hot freshman in your biology class your number.
The best part.
Adventure. Younger people are generally more active. You will find that you and your partner enjoy going on fun adventures together, whether it be hiking, camping, or going to concerts.
Playfulness. Dating someone younger is more fun. ("You girls keep me young"). The relationship tends to be more playful and less serious.
Power. Dating someone younger makes you feel empowered. Finally, you are older and wiser (and always right)!
The worst part.
Immaturity. You might find your partner making immature decisions and sometimes wonder if he will be a good long-term partner.
Financial instability. Not always, but most of the time the cougar is the breadwinner. You find yourself splitting a lot of dinner bills.
Overall, cougaring is fun, new, exciting, and something everyone needs to try out at least once in their life. Whether it be for a small fling or a lifetime partner, it's important to know what you're getting yourself into. If you're not willing to try, it's your loss -- more young, hot, eligible men for the rest of us!
