Older women dating younger men is nothing new. Back in the day, it was all about Demi Moore and Ashton Kutcher. Then it was Madonna and Jesus Luz. And after that, J.Lo and Casper Smart.
Before 2016 wrapped, Kate Hudson was linked to 23-year-old Nick Jonas. I’d like to say their candidness about one another – even though they never confirmed or denied their relations – set the tone for this past year. Because 2017 seems to have been abundant with those of us women who give no F&#^’s about being with someone many years our junior.
Hey, I even tried it on for size!
This past year has seen women finally, openly, authentically owning our shit, regardless of whether others see it as something of note, or not.
This year has been weird and shitty and full of emotion. And when you meet someone with a significant age gap, said gap need not matter when you have a genuine connection, are on the same page, have mutual respect, and genuinely enjoy their presence.
For if this year has taught us anything, it is to own our truths. For better or for worse. To speak our truths and share our vulnerabilities.
And this goes with everything: about dating younger, about dating older. About dating men and women and then men again. About acknowledging new loves and ghosts of great loves past. About you just doing you, and putting that out there without the concern of what people are saying, what pictures you’re snapping, or what you’re posting on your Insta stories.
Britney Spears is dating 23-year-old Sam Ashgari, Kourtney Kardashian is dating 24-year-old Younes Bendjima, Kate Beckinsale is dating 22-year-old Matt Rife, and Sarah Paulson is dating 74-year-old Holland Taylor.
These couples are such a treat because they are showcasing to us, via their platforms, that there are no rules when it comes to the heart.
A snap here. An Insta story there. A screaming-from-the-rooftops announcement to the New York Times here, an-all-over-each-other make-out at a Lakers game there. Everyone and anyone is seemingly soaking up the love they’re so fortunately graced with and sharing it out in the open.
The best thing that came out of this year is how very laissez-faire we’ve become when it comes to worrying about what others may think about who’s on our arms.
And I guess the best takeaway from this — especially when we see notable A-listers (who have it harder when it comes to media and public scrutiny) — is that it’s all good. We’re not hiding behind the proverbial “closed doors” anymore.
And what this means for you dear reader, is that you too can be open with whoever you’re with. Enjoy them. Love them. Soak in the love they shower on you. Share it with others and know that if someone can’t accept the person you’re dating in this day and age because of an old-fashioned idea, or significant age gap, or sexual orientation, then that says more about them than you. And they can unfollow you or unfriend you on social and that is their problem.
If we’ve learned anything from 2017 it is certainly to own our truth. Speak our truth. And live more authentic lives. Amen.
