How to catch a cougar – IN SEVENTH GRADE, YOU FANTASIZED about your tres sexy, much older, French teacher making you stay after school for a little “one-on-one.” Nowadays, she might be considered a cougar–a “seasoned” woman who prefers younger men. Bagging one can be a mind-blowing experience, especially if you’re new to the hunt. “Their life experience and maturity go way beyond that of any younger girl,” says Michael Crider, author of The Guy’s Guide to Dating, Getting Hitched, and Surviving the First Year of Marriage. “They are more comfortable in their own skin and end up being a better companion most days.” She may be a Demi doppelganger, a Samantha type from Sex and the City, or the divorcee next door. If you’re bold–yet confident–you can embark on your own cougar safari. Let us be your guide. How to catch a cougar
FIVE REASONS TO DATE AN OLDER WOMAN
1 She doesn’t sweat the small stuff. If it doesn’t leave a scar or she can pay with her credit card, then it’s not a problem. She’s less drama. Period.
2 She wants what you want. You have needs. She sympathizes. Finally, a match made in heaven.
3 She doesn’t care how much you make. She’s already had the guy that makes your income times 10.
4 She’s more confident than girls your age. She won’t wake you up in the middle of the night to ask what you’re thinking because she doesn’t give a damn. She will, however, wake you for other reasons.
5 She likes you, really. “Be yourself,” says Cyndi Targosz, author of Dating the Younger Man. “Don’t pretend to be something you’re not.” Don’t know wines? Pass her the wine list rather than looking like a schmuck asking where the Bordeaux is from. Huge fan of indie movies? Show her your favorites. Your passion will be infectious.
How to catch a cougar
THE THREE-STEP MOVE
Step one: Play like you think she’s really smart and experienced.
Step two: Scoff when she says she has shoes older than you. Proper response: “And your point?”
Step three: Feign surprise when she tells you her age, then–counterintuitive as it sounds to step one–tell her you like women who are older because girls your age “don’t know what they’re doing.” Let her draw her own conclusions about the “doing” you’re talking about. How to catch a cougar
The logic: Make her feel being older is an asset you covet. (She’ll be less threatened by your same-age female friends.)
CLOSING THE DEAL
Cougars get their name because they love the hunt. So let her be the hunter, or at least give that impression. Be confident, but coy. Be your age. But remember: While patience can be a virtue in any hunt, don’t waste her time. She’s got her eye on the clock, so don’t obsess with trivialities. Then, never, ever leave her unsatisfied or you’ll quickly find yourself replaced by a more competent, uh, stud.
BONUS TIP
Word to the wise: Don’t brag about her age publicly (Mrs. Robinson jokes aren’t funny anymore; this includes just humming the song) and don’t try to get over on her. “An older woman can spot a player from a mile away, and they won’t be bothered with him,” says Crider. If you do right by her, you’ll be the king of the castle, but the minute your facts don’t line up, you’ll find yourself stuffed and displayed on her trophy wall. How to catch a cougar
