Why do men tend to date younger and women go older? As I watch my friends in the dating world I keep hearing that if you’re a woman expect to date older, because the men your age are dating significantly younger women. I would love to say that’s BS, but more and more it appears to be true. I met a woman last year who was 34 and dating a 50+ year old guy. He already had two grown kids and was ‘open’ to getting remarried and starting a family with her. When asked why he didn’t date a woman his age he replied, “I already did that with my ex.” I have another friend in her 30’s dating a guy that’s close to her dad’s age. This one took me back a little bit. I admit I originally felt all judgey about the situation until I finally said to myself, who cares. Who really cares?! He is obviously okay with helping raise little ones and who knows, they could even have a baby together. Yes, that is one thing about older guys – they can physically do that all their lives. Then there are women like me. I’m in my 40’s and I will proudly wear a sign saying ‘baby maker closed for baby business.’ I have no problem dating a younger guy who has his ‘stuff’ together, but if he wants babies and to start a family= I’m not your girl. I’ve packed enough diaper bags and prepared enough bottles to fill my baby needs. I have no desire for the sleep deprived hours of my 30’s or the constant juggling of a baby and life. I loved that time of my life, but I’m done.
So men, why the younger women? I ask this more out of curiosity then judgement. Is it the status of a younger woman? The looks? The potential to start a family now that you’re more established? I admit those things aren’t that attractive to me. As a 40 something woman, I am ready for the proverbial next chapter of my life. I have a teenage daughter who is pretty self-sufficient, a career that I’ve cultivated and now have time for the fun things in life that I didn’t beforehand. I can travel, explore and have more adventures at this point than I could have had a decade ago. When I first got divorced and started dating I had a hard time imagining dating someone with grandkids. I didn’t feel old enough to have grandkids, so I couldn’t wrap my brain around dating someone who could. Fast forward 4 years and I’m totally open to that idea. In fact, that idea sounds way more reasonable than raising small children. Now let me put a little caveat here, I’m fine with that as long as the guy is fun, active and healthy. I have no desire to sit around and read together (unless it’s on a great beach vacation).
