Cougar Dating: a popular love trend
I have not yet written about this dating trend called Cougar dating. Cougar is the term given to an older woman who dates younger men. I was curious about why the symbol of the cougar was chosen, as it seems like an especially aggressive animal. But after googling the animal medicine (qualities and lessons) of the cougar, it said that cougars jump upon opportunity with no hesitation. Cougar wisdom can inform your ability to accept and direct your life with grace and speed. So (according to this symbol) perhaps older women know more about who they are, what they want, how to get it and aren’t afraid to take action when it comes to love?

Women have probably dated younger men for a long time but this cougar phenomenon became central focus when female celebrities started dating and marrying younger men. Some examples include Demi Moore, Halle Berry, Sharon Stone, Ivana Trump, Rachel Hunter and Mariah Carey. Suddenly it was out in the open and hot!

Now this cougar dating phenomenon is about to become even more popular with an upcoming new television series called ‘Cougar Town,‘ starring Courtney Cox coming out in September. It’s about a single woman in her 40’s that dates younger men after a divorce. There is also the television show out now called, ‘The Cougar’ where an older woman dates younger men and ultimately selects her match. And I just heard that there is a Miss Cougar America and new International Cougar Cruise coming soon. Carnival Cruise Lines is offering its first-ever International Cougar Cruise, which takes place December 4-7, aboard Carnival’s Fun Ship Elation, departing from San Diego and visiting Ensenada, Mexico. Rates are priced from $125 (per person, double-occupancy) plus port charges and government fees. Miss Cougar America (who will be selected at the National Single Cougars Convention, Friday, August 28 at Dinah’s Garden Hotel, in Palo Alto CA) will be the guest of honor. The younger men there will decide who wins the contest!

In addition, all kinds of cougar dating sites and events have cropped up. So, what might men like about dating older women? Some men report that they are more interesting, mature, grounded, directed and secure. I haven’t done a full survey so if any men want to add to this list, please post your comments and feelings about this below.

As for the women, what are the pros and cons of dating younger men? For the pros: younger men are cute, fun and may not have as much relationship baggage. As for the cons: sometimes it is said that women are more mature then men their own age, so younger men may be even more behind, maturity-wise! They may also have a longer time line for embracing commitment, family and children (if this is what the woman is looking for).
My take on this is that it is important to date the individual, instead of subscribing to societal rules. While most men in their twenties (for example) might not want marriage and children etc. there are some who do. It only takes one person to be your soul mate. We have all met the occasional 20 something year old who is more mature than a 40 something year old man. So, why not give someone a few dates and see? For me it is always positive when the limiting beliefs and dating stigmas are lifted so that two people can really get to know each other based upon authentic present experience and can decide the pros and cons of that particular relationship based on what feels true for them.

So, if you are a woman who has dated a younger guy or a guy who has dated an older woman, let us know what you think!