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The pros and cons of dating an older man

Your guide to dating older men - by April Glover
  • 29 Mar 2019

Dating in today's social media climate can be a confusing minefield.

Ridiculous mind games, the three-day text rule and Tinder have turned the dating landscape upside down. 

The pros and cons of dating an older man
Getty Images

Many women are turning their attention to older men to avoid the immaturity of boys in their 20s and early 30s. 

Celebrities like Catherine Zeta-Jones, whose husband Michael Douglas is 25 years her senior, and George and Amal Clooney, who have a 17-year age difference, are ahead of the new age-gap tend. 

Here, we list the pros and cons of dating an older man - whether he be 10, 20 or 30 years your senior.

 

Getty Images

Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta-Jones

Getty Images

PROS

1. He's more willing to settle down

An older man who is well into adulthood is more likely to have kids and marriage on his radar. A man in his 40s is far more likely to know what he wants and settle down than a 25-year-old. If you're ready to settle down and build a life, a man in their sunset years is probably the way to go.

2. He's probably more financially secure

Not that women seeking older men are gold diggers - but it is always nice to have financial security. An older man is likely more established in his career and may have a bigger nest egg, which is great for a future family.

3. Your sex life will be better

It is a big generalisation to announce that all older men are better at sex - but the chances are, a man in his 40s or 50s will have a lot more experience in the bedroom and will know what to do. 

4. He'll get along with your parents

Your older beau will be closer in age to your parents than you are, so the conversations will be flowing if they ever get the chance to meet. Parents will probably approve of a silver-haired fox with a respectful attitude and great career too!

5. He will fight for you

A man in his twilight years of dating is not likely to give up easy if he finds a woman he wants. If you date an older man and the going gets tough, expect him to put up more of a fight! When he knows what he wants, he goes for it. 

Getty Images
Getty Images

CONS

1. He might have some baggage

If you're dating someone 10 or 20 years older, the chances are he's been in a relationship before - and possibly even has kids. Make sure you're okay with the fact he has a past and remember he's with you now - not his ex.

2. You could have less in common

An age gap can have disastrous consequences when it comes to having things in common. An older man might not get your pop culture references and might be well past his days of going out to loud bars and having a drink.

3. He could be set in his ways

If your older lover has been single for a while, he might like to stick to a rigid routine. It can be difficult to change a man's habits - hopefully he isn't a stick in the mud!

4 Is he unlikely to trust again?

Older men with baggage could have been burnt in their previous relationships. If he's only just dipping his toes back into the dating game, be careful that he isn't scared of trusting you. 

5. He might die before you 

An older male with 10 or 20 years more life experience is more likely to kick the bucket than you are. Make sure you are willing to be a younger widow if this is the case. 

April Glover

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