"Cougars. The term is finally taking on a whole new meaning. Traditionally, it's been used derogatorily to label older women who date younger men as predatory. But now, there's a reclamation happening, and you only need to look at TikTok to see it. There are currently over 113,000 videos under the hashtag #CougarTok , and more than twice that number under #cougar . The videos aren't just thirst traps or jokes; they're sparking conversations about age-gap relationships that feel fresh, confident and celebratory."
"Pop culture is mirroring this shift, too. From Anne Hathaway in " The Idea of You" to the latest " Bridget Jones" installment, to Nicole Kidman in " Babygirl" and " A Family Affair ," being the older woman is now being considered sexy as hell, and being embraced as desirable, empowered and in control. What used to feel taboo, reminiscent of the Mrs. Robinson stereotype, is now far more accepted."
"Research backs this as well. A 2023 study done by social psychologist Justin J. Lehmiller, a research fellow at the Kinsey Institute, shows that despite lingering stigma, older women with younger male partners report the highest levels of relationship satisfaction and commitment compared to women in age-similar or younger-partner relationships. In Lehmiller's survey of roughly 200 heterosexual women, those more than 10 years older than their male partners were, on average, thriving."
The term 'cougar' is being reclaimed from a derogatory label to a celebrated identity for older women dating younger men. Social media, especially TikTok, amplifies the trend with over 113,000 videos under #CougarTok and more than twice that under #cougar, showcasing confident, celebratory portrayals rather than ridicule. Film and television increasingly depict older women as desirable and empowered, shifting away from Mrs. Robinson stereotypes. Contemporary society may accept older-woman/younger-man pairings as much as or more than traditional May–December pairings. A 2023 Kinsey-affiliated study found women more than ten years older than male partners reported the highest relationship satisfaction and commitment.
Read at HuffPost
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