It's an, err, age-old stereotype: older men prefer younger women. After all, the thinking goes, dating young women proves a man's virility and earns him bragging rights in the locker room. But a recent survey by XY Canada, publisher of the Wyre, the daily email for guys, suggests it's just that -- a stereotype, and that most men don't aspire to Michael Douglas-esque hook-ups.
The poll of 424 males revealed:
- The majority of respondents (56%) think an age difference of 5 years or less is optimal in a relationship. (62% of respondents have had relationships where the age difference was greater than 5 years, so they are speaking from experience)
- Almost half (45%) think an age difference of 10 years or more is inappropriate
- 68% cite differences in "life experiences" as the biggest obstacle to success when dating younger women. Acceptance by family and friends is also seen to be significant - 30% said it is an obstacle. Only 9% said differences in sex drive might be a problem
XY Canada Executive Editor Russell Smith says, "I was surprised by the conservatism of our respondents: most would rather date a woman quite close in
age to their own. Only 16% said that they thought age differences weren't important."
Smith says, "Respondents seemed most concerned about the educational, social and financial differences and see them as big obstacles to dating much younger women. The consensus is that a relationship won't be successful without the common ground that comes with age. What a sensitive bunch of guys!"
Lead by author and style guru Russell Smith, XY Canada is an advisory service for guys (XY) on all aspects of urban life in Montreal (YUL), Calgary(YYC) Edmonton (YEG) Toronto (YYZ) and Vancouver (YVR). XYUL publishes a daily email, the Wyre, on topics that include style, nightlife, food, women and other stuff that appeals to the y-chromosome. To get a free subscription to the Wyre, visit XYCanada.com and select your city.
