There has been a great deal of talk in recent years regarding cougars though, the concept is not new. If you are uncertain what it means, you are not alone. Though there are some variations on perception, the general answer is an older woman who pursues younger men. What is a cougar?
However, this does not entirely define the word cougar. Usually, the woman has to be in her forties or older. Some will say that the age can be as young as 35 however, this will only be the case if the man is extremely young. Women younger than that cannot meet the general guidelines for being a cougar.
The men cougars seek are at a minimum of ten years younger. Often, the difference in ages is even greater. Cougars will often seek men that are young enough to be their sons. Sometimes, they will pursue the friends of their children. Generally, cougars do not seek men that are greater than twenty years younger than themselves. While this is not always the case, the most popular difference in age seems to be around fifteen years.
The cougar actively pursues younger men for sexual purposes. They often view mating with a new young man as a conquest. While some seek men for a relationship, many are simply looking to fulfill their physical desires with a young, attractive man. Men in their twenties are in their sexual prime, making them ideal candidates for a physical affair. Because women reach their sexual peak much later, the older woman is likely to be as interested in sexual relations as a younger man. This makes for an ideal interaction if the two have the same interests.
While the term cougar is used to describe any relationship involving an older woman and younger man, some women in these types of relationships find the term offensive. They believe it demeans the quality of the relationship they have. This is because the term is often used in a derogatory manner to depict an older woman who is only interested in sexual relationships. Many couples with this age difference find a great deal of other things in common. They enjoy social activities and exploring the world together. To think of the relationship as one person exploiting another is unpleasant and untrue for many of them.
The film, “The Graduate” depicted a cougar relationship before the term even became popular. In it, a middle aged woman seeks a relationship with a recent college graduate. Today, there are many more films and television shows that have cougar relationships in them. It has become common among many Hollywood stars, giving more women the comfort to try this type of relationship for themselves.
The phenomenon of cougar relationships is likely to continue to grow. Women have the opportunity to explore their sexuality freely with a man who is capable and interested. For men, they have the opportunity to be with a secure woman who will maintain the relationship with honesty and integrity.