Dating people your own age is old news! Women are dating guys 15-25 years older than them more than ever these days. I mean look at Jay-z and Beyonce for crying out loud or even Kylie and Tyga (okay maybe I took it too far!). And yes, I am guilty of it. I have dated older men in my past, and I’d have to say it is quite a different experience than dating in your own age group. As if relationships don’t already come with their own set of ups and downs, if you’ve ever dated someone 10 years or more older than you, you probably experienced some of the best and worst times of your life with that person. I guess it’s truly all about whatever floats your boat, but there are some benefits and downfalls to it either way.
Pros
1. Stability
Seems like the most logical reason to date an older man, right? Most people assume you are dating an older man ONLY for that reason. The fact of the matter is most older men have their “ish” together! But that doesn’t mean that every young lady who likes an older gent is a gold digger. In fact, there are studies that suggest differently. Accoring to the University of Dundee in Scotland, “as women become more financially independent, their taste may skew toward older (and better-looking) men.” Most women love the thought of stability. Being with a man that is well off or just more financially responsible is comforting, especially when you are planning out your future.
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2. No More Games
There is nothing worse than having to play the dating games that you do in your teens and 20s. Thankfully most older men don’t have the patience for this either. Say goodbye to ever having to wonder if you text your guy back too fast, which of course in turn makes you look desperate…right!? Truth is he is probably just annoyed by the idea of jumping through those hoops as you are. Even better, most older men are done with the mind games. They know what they want and you don’t have to guess to figure it out. No more wondering four months into your “situation” if this is going anywhere!
3. Confidence ‘ON FLEEK’
You ever go out knowing you look good, just to feel like nobody is trying to approach you? Well simply put, younger guys are easily intimidated by a beautiful, classy woman. Young guys are still building up their tough skin for rejection, so they are less likely to try and approach you, and if they do and you turn them down, they are even more less likely to try again. An older man has more experience with this. He doesn’t sweat the rejection, and in many cases he likes the challenge of trying to win you over and change your mind.
4. Knowlege
I cannot tell you enough how refreshing it can be to date a man who can actually teach you a thing or two, who can guide you in the right direction, who can bring you back to reality when you are spinning out of control. Dating older men is just like that. They can be your tour guide through the parts of life you have yet to see. I often have felt when I date men in my age group that I am the one leading the way. I end up feeling like a mother instead of a girlfriend. It’s nice to be able to take a position in the other seat every now and then.
5. Kiss Jealousy Goodbye
You know that confidence I was just talking about? Well it helps out a lot in the relationship as well. A grown mature man respects that you have a life outside of your relationship, and not only is comfortable with it, supports it. No more feeling bad about wanting to hangout with your girlfriends. No more feeling uneasy about spending time with your family without him. Things are just easier when you have someone who understands that you aren’t attached at the hip now that you’ve agreed to a commitment.
Young Women & Older Men: Dating Pros & Cons was originally published on blackdoctor.org
