Lurve - Asking for a Friend
It’s no secret: society has long given men a free pass to date younger women while older women get side-eyed for even thinking about a fling with a younger man. But guess what? The tides are turning, and women over 50 are unapologetically diving into relationships with younger men—and why not? Life is short, and if they’re bringing energy, fun, and flattery, who’s complaining?
Take Liza, for example. She’s 58, fabulous, and not about to waste time living by someone else’s rules. “I’m 58. I don’t want to be a nurse (to an older guy) or a purse (to a younger guy)!” she said with a cheeky grin. And honestly, she has a point. Women aren’t here to babysit aging partners or bankroll boys—they’re here to live! Liza adds, “Honestly, we probably have to look older in our 20s and 30s because men mature later. But it makes sense to go younger later, as men age so badly! So why not? No judgment here!”
For Holly, the idea of dating someone way younger can get a little tricky. “A 20-year-old—younger than my eldest—asked me out on a date,” she said. “Whoa! I felt sick to my stomach! I prefer younger than me, but not younger than my sons!” Fair enough, Hilda—there’s a fine line, and crossing into “son territory” isn’t for everyone.
Donna, on the other hand, has tried it all and has some hilariously honest advice. “I had a brief fling with a man who was 16 years younger—three years older than my son and eight years older than my daughter. My son said, ‘I’m not calling him Daddy,’ and my daughter called him ‘Cradle Boy.’” (Talk about a wicked sense of humor!) But Donna isn’t fazed. “I’ve dated older men too. My children’s father was 10 years older. Age doesn’t matter—it’s about comfort, things in common, maturity. Unless you’re looking for fun. Then, definitely go younger!” And oh, how Donna keeps it real: “Honestly, I stayed with my last husband for 14 years because he was good-looking and amazing in bed. Do what feels right. Don’t give a shit about social mores!”
Yvette married a man 25 years younger and stayed with him for six years. The age gap wasn’t the reason for their split, but she’s not ruling out more younger men. “If Macron can do it, so can I,” she said with a wink. “Men have been doing this for centuries—why shouldn’t we?”
Beth, 64, is another fabulous woman embracing this trend. After re-entering the dating world, she was surprised to find that it was younger men (30-45) showing interest. “Men my age want women half my age. Younger men know I don’t want to take anything from them. I just enjoy the company and the moment. Wherever it goes, it goes. Took me a while to adapt, but now I say, go for it!”
And let’s not forget Barbie, who sees the appeal of dating younger but doesn’t hold back on what she thinks of men her age. “I find many men my age stuck in their ways, with little flexibility, waning sexual desire, and some misogynistic and controlling tendencies,” she said, laughing. “I’ve had younger men interested—some looking for a maternal connection, others for sex. Either way, no judgment!”
Anna, 54, is all about younger men too. “They have less baggage, more energy, and seem to be in better shape. They’re open to dancing, singing karaoke, and trying new things. I set my dating profile for 35-55 because, honestly, I’m just not feeling men my age.” She thinks younger men are drawn to older women because they’re often more financially stable, have fewer family obligations, and, let’s face it, know what they want.
For Emma, the experience is about taking things slow and enjoying the ride. “I’ve dated a 32-year-old (hot as hell), been asked out by 26-year-olds, and am currently talking to a 40-year-old. The 15-year age gap doesn’t bother him, and we’re on the same page politically and culturally. For now, it works!” She adds with a laugh, “By the way, I don’t sleep with these guys. I just have a nice time at dinner. High standards and all!”
Chrissy sums it up with her no-nonsense wisdom: “Do whatever sets your soul on fire. They’re gonna talk anyway!”
And then there’s Issy, whose 15-year relationship with a man 15 years younger has outlasted all her previous “age-appropriate” ones. “It’s about compatibility, respect, and love,” she said. “It’s not about age—it’s about whether it works, and this works for me.”
So what’s the deal with this trend? Maybe it’s the energy, the lack of baggage, or the confidence boost. Maybe it’s the fact that older women finally feel free to live life on their terms. Sarah puts it best: “We’re conditioned to judge these relationships in the Western world, but in other countries, it’s no big deal. I had a relationship with a man 25 years younger, and while I faced judgment from friends, I learned to let go of that. If you know love, age doesn’t matter.”
Whether it’s a fling, a fun date, or the love of a lifetime, women over 50 are proving that it’s never too late to write your own rules. So here’s to living boldly, loving freely, and not giving a damn about what anyone else thinks! Because, really, life is too short not to.
Challenging the Double Standard
So, how can we push back against these outdated attitudes?
Celebrate Women’s Autonomy
Women of all ages have the right to make choices about their lives and relationships without judgment. This includes deciding how they express their sexuality and spend their resources.Promote Positive Representation
Media plays a powerful role in shaping perceptions. Advocating for more diverse and empowering portrayals of older women in relationships with younger men can help normalize these dynamics.Call Out the Hypocrisy
Next time you hear someone criticize an older woman for her choices, ask them why the same scrutiny isn’t applied to older men. Highlighting these contradictions can spark important conversations.Empower Each Other
As women, we can support one another by rejecting societal pressures and encouraging authenticity. Linda, 62, says it best: “We’ve earned the right to live on our terms. Let’s uplift, not judge.”
Confessions of an Older Woman
Tina: A lot of men our age are bitter and disenchanted. The good ones are taken , so there are younger ones still not so scarred and bitter, yet with life experiences to share.
Sally: There be lots of younger men out there that love older women, who really cares, age is just a number outside of Australia lol. I am 65 my latest is 30 that's a significant difference, he is in morocco & I am now in oz for around 6- 8 months. I don't expect our relationship (?) to last but who knows. I think if you enter into something like this you have to have a broad mind & take it as it comes. Will he be faithful for the time I am away - seriously I doubt it & am not too worried about it. But that's me. You need to be realistic of the situation.
Mary: If this was a man, we wouldn’t be asking this question. The only caveat is I think the man has to be clear he’s not going to want children. If he has scratched that itch or isn’t bothered about children, then it’s merely a question of compatibility.
Sali: It’s been so long since I’ve had a date I’m just looking for a pulse. And good teeth. I have my standards!
Tara: My BF is 22 years younger than me but he is very matured and we have a lot in common. The age gap is not an issue. For as long as there is love, respect and understanding then the relationship will work. I don’t feel old at all. I am very happy. We’re together 4 years already. I’m 56 and he is 34. We look good together and we are the best of friends. Tell your friend AGE IS JUST A NUMBER. If it makes her happy GO FOR IT. Don’t mind what other people will say. They will not live your life for you. Just BE HAPPY. That is our goal.
Jan: I have no issue with it but in my personal experience, when the young pups are hitting me up in the dating apps, they are looking for a sugar mama (someone to pay their bills, pay off their debt, etc.) more than a romance. I personally don’t want casual stuff anymore and that’s really all I ever could expect from the young guys.
Lilly: It's standard for men. Why should it even be an issue for women?
Valda: My 21 yo grandson is dating a woman in her late 50's his father said as long as he has a full belly and an empty scrotum he will be fine. Well they have been dating for close to 2 years now, and it appears to be working I still have yet to see her so it makes me wonder why.
