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The psychology and biology behind age-gap attraction
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Men choosing to date younger women has been a pretty regular pattern throughout history. But what’s the root cause of this attraction? Is it a biological instinct or has society played a role in encouraging these age-gap romances over time? In this article, we’ll break down over a dozen reasons why men might be interested in ladies who are younger than them. From power dynamics to midlife crises to just plain connection, keep reading to find out men’s motivations and why these couples are so common.
Things You Should Know
- Men are often attracted to younger women because it makes them feel young and powerful.
- Societal pressures may influence men’s attraction to younger women too; the patriarchy and ancestral traditions both encourage age-gap relationships.
- Younger women also tend to be interested in older men more than younger men, and this attention/admiration can be appealing to most guys.
Steps
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There's nothing wrong with an age gap in an adult relationship as long as both people are on the same page. Learn how to attract and date the man of your dreams with this expert series.
Expert Q&A
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QuestionWhy do men marry younger girls?Lauren Sanders is a Professional Matchmaker, Dating Coach, and the Founder of Dating for the Soul. With over four years of experience, she specializes in helping singles find love. Lauren is also the author of Lipstick Faith: A Collection of Inspirational Writings and Life Lessons, You Deserve the World, Rainbows and Strawberries: 100 Devotions for the Brighter Side of Life, and Let's Go Outside Mommy. Lauren holds BS from Dillard University and a Masters from The University of North Georgia.Men typically want to get with women who are younger than them because they desire women who are youthful. They also desire younger women because they are less seasoned with life, have less baggage, and are more impressionable and willing to along with whatever they say.
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References
- ↑ https://sociology.nd.edu/news-and-events/news/trophy-wife-stereotype-is-largely-a-myth-new-study-shows/
- ↑ https://www.marriage.com/advice/relationship/marrying-a-younger-woman-the-pros-and-the-cons/
- ↑ ​​ https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/0020872817712566
- ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4586650/#:~:text=The%20men%20aged%2045%20and
- ↑ https://www.marriage.com/advice/relationship/marrying-a-younger-woman-the-pros-and-the-cons/
- ↑ https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/for-women-sexuality-changes-with-age-but-doesnt-disappear-201402137035
- ↑ https://labs.la.utexas.edu/buss/files/2019/03/Why-is-age-so-important-in-mating-2019-FINAL-PUBLISHED.pdf
- ↑ https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/behavioral-and-brain-sciences/article/abs/age-preferences-in-mates-reflect-sex-differences-in-human-reproductive-strategies/BE5CDF43F525E472B4B0C00DBE5EC74F
- ↑ https://scholarship.law.duke.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=2909&context=lcp
- ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7721003/#:~:text=When%20a%20woman%20is%20younger
- ↑ https://psychcentral.com/relationships/age-difference-in-relationships#potential-impacts
- ↑ https://news.ku.edu/2017/02/08/relationship-success-tied-not-joking-shared-sense-humor
- ↑ https://www.marriage.com/advice/relationship/marrying-a-younger-woman-the-pros-and-the-cons/
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