In this scenario, you’ve been emotionally battered, bruised, and have come to a point in your life where you just can’t seem to find a halfway decent man your age. But instead of running to the next 40-something sugar daddy, you’ve decided to employ a different dating approach by trying out someone a little younger.
Should your approach be the same as when you were dating men either the same age or older? Not exactly.
In fact, here are three helpful reminders to never lose sight of.
1. Accept the Age Difference
The main obstacle that typically stands in the way of an older woman enjoying a younger man is her own insecurities. Don’t let this lead to the demise of your relationship. Now there’s no surefire recipe to eradicate insecurity, but you can start the process by avoiding the temptation to ask yourself the following questions: “Am I a lost cause because I can’t find someone my own age? Is this a mid-life crisis that I’m going through? Does this mean that I am officially a pedophile?”
It’s actually none of the above. Once you drill that into your head, then you can finally begin to reap the benefits of dating a younger man.
2. Brace Yourself for the Hate
You’re guaranteed to find at least one person who doesn’t approve of your new relationship. While your family and friends may initially joke around about your new man picking you up for dates on his Big Wheels, they will ultimately follow your lead. If you present him as nothing special, then that’s how he will be treated. But if you let them know that the relationship is built on a solid foundation, then they will eventually ease up and respect your decision.
3. Don’t Talk About It
A common mistake that many women make when dating a younger man is constantly bringing up the difference in age. This does nothing to promote growth within the relationship. In fact, your man would probably rather attend an adult literacy class with Fantasia and Shaq than to be reminded daily that you’re robbing the cradle. Although the subject is bound to come up from time to time, do your best not to dwell on this subject and have peace about it.
The Fly Conclusion
Just be yourself. When you do that, then and only then will you enjoy your new life. Can we all agree on that point? Well, let the church say Amen.
DeWayne Rogers is the author of “The Fly Guy Chronicles,” your in-depth guide to love, relationships and everything hazy in between.
