by Erika Townsend
Mariah Carey – excuse me, Mrs. Cannon – has been getting a lot of attention lately, and not for her scantily-dressed body this time! She is celebrating her nuptials to a man eleven years her junior and wants to make sure the world sees every minute of their bliss. She is 38 and Nick is 27. Appropriately, Nick has Mariah’s name in big block letters stretching from one shoulder blade to the next. Now that is how you accessorize, ladies! In case you haven’t seen the 200 photos of them on-line, Nick has become the new poster boy for all of my Cougar Women.
What’s a Cougar Woman? To officially be considered a Cougar, you must date a man who is eight years younger than you. Apparently, there are many of us getting our groove back. As it turns out, according to one study, 1/3 of American women have dated a younger man. Outside of the wild success of the television show, “Sex and the City,” pop trends might not be to blame for all of the “Samanthas” out there. There are a few other reasons, as well.
Women seem to be out-pacing men in college enrollment. This means that there are more women who are graduating with degrees and can take care of themselves. They don’t need men to provide for them in traditional manner. Also, a lot of women are opting to focus on career before family. They are waiting to get married and sometimes just looking for a little fun rather than a commitment. Often when these career-oriented women are ready to settle down in their mid-thirties, the men their age are married or already in a serious relationship. If they are not married, they may be divorced with children. For a woman who is about-her-business, that may equal baggage. My, how the tables are turning!
Finally, the same juvenile characteristics women in their twenties were trying to escape may be the very same light-hearted characteristics women in their thirties are looking for. These women are looking for some fun and don’t want to be treated like a child themselves by an older man. On the flip side, a younger man may want a woman with experience and stability. The combination of the two can be a match made in heaven!
Men are beginning to see the writing on the wall. In a recent survey, nearly 49% of men said that they have or would consider dating an older woman. So while all the men fight over 40 being the new 20, women can toast to aging like fine wine.
If you are considering, but concerned about what other people may think of your Cougar relationship, then it is time to seek your emancipation. Life is short and love is sweet. Don’t miss a minute of it for anyone!
