The benefits of dating an older man

DATING an older man has its rewards. Sure he might be mistaken for your dad, but according to Isabel Thomson-Officer these benefits make it worthwhile.

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SILVER foxes, sugar daddies, male cougars, ‘George Clooneys’, whatever you call them — dating an older man as a younger woman has its rewards.

The over 40 gents are some of the most lusted after men in Hollywood — Jay Z, Brad Pitt, Johnny Depp, Robert Downey Jr., the list goes on. Sure you may draw some strange looks when you hold hands, and don’t be surprised if he gets mistaken for your dad, but there are some benefits to dating a man aged like a top-shelf whisky.

Here are six benefits of dating a man several years (or more) older than you:

HE IS FROM A MORE CHIVALROUS TIME

If he holds doors opens for you, says ‘ladies first’, slides your chair out and helps you put on your jacket, the man is a gentleman and was brought up properly.

Call me old-fashioned, but it’s these small things that count and it shows that he respects you as a woman. If he offers to pay for dinner well that’s just a nice bonus (particularly if you’re a broke student in your 20s), it’s up to you whether you choose to accept.

HE HAS MORE LIFE EXPERIENCE THAN YOU

In most cases (not in all unfortunately) age brings wisdom. He will be more accepting and understanding of your emotional side which will lead to a more harmonious relationship with fewer arguments.

Furthermore he has likely experienced some of the earlier challenges you may now be facing in your professional or personal life and can provide good advice on how to overcome them.

HE IS AN EXPERIENCED LOVER

He knows how to please a woman in the bedroom and because he has impeccable manners, it’s always ladies first. His years of experience means he will have moves and skills far superior to his younger counterparts.

HE HAS LEARNED FROM HIS MISTAKES IN PREVIOUS RELATIONSHIPS

If you’re dating someone older it is highly likely he has been in at least one serious relationship before you. I like to think that with age also comes time to reflect on your life and relationships. By now he should know where he went wrong in the past and what not to do with you so as not to make the same mistake twice.

JEALOUSY (YOU HOPE!) IS A THING OF THE PAST FOR HIM

He is comfortable in his own skin and doesn’t feel threatened by younger more sprightly types. He will remain as calm as a Hindu cow when you unexpectedly run into your younger ex at the pub and will have no problem with you remaining friends with your previous partners if that’s how you roll.

HE’S LESS LIKELY TO PLAY GAMES

Three day what? He doesn’t believe in acting coy or uninterested. He is a confident man who knows what he wants and isn’t afraid to go after it.

Dating an older man is by no means for everyone. There are of course many great things about having a partner your age or younger too. For example a larger age gap can mean you are at a very different life stage to your partner, but every relationship has its challenges.

So next time you’re about to start swiping on Tinder, consider changing your preferences and broadening your bracket, you never know what gold you might find at the end of the rainbow.

Follow Isabel on Twitter @missizzyofficer