A quarter of women would happily date someone ten years younger than them, research has found. The study of 1000 daters looked at exactly what we’ve come to expect from a first date, and apparently, some men might turn up with a woman not quite their age.
A surprising two thirds of men said the same of their female counterparts, enforcing the sugar daddy stereotype, while 22% of men would also hunt themselves down a cougar and go ten years older.
Seems neither party would lie about it though- 92% would be totally honest about themselves on their first date, choosing to start with a clean slate.
The study, conducted by dating website for2.co, also looked at how much effort will be put in on a first date- surprisingly, 5% of men would go on a diet to look their best for a new love interest (4% of women said the same).
A spokeswoman for online dating site, for2.co, which commissioned the report, said:
''Women used to be okay with dating an older man but not a younger one, but the situation has reversed.
''Firstly high-earning women don't need to look to older men for money anymore, and aspirational women like Madonna, Kylie and Caroline Flack have normalised the behaviour of dating men considerably younger than them.
''Add to this the fact that women are looking much younger for longer, with many in their 40s and 50s passing for 30 year olds, and it looks like the cougar is here to stay.''
Women, as always, will push the boat out when it comes to the rest of their appearance- 54% will get their hair done especially for the occasion, and 46% will make sure they add something new to their wardrobe to really make an impact.
Men put in a fair effort too though, outside of dieting- 18% would get their hair looking prim and proper, and 34% would indulge in a new shirt or pair of shoes to really woo their lady.
Apparently, that’s with the intention of getting lucky, as 82% of men would push for sex within 5 dates (8% of which normally on a first date!).
A more respectable 66% of women said the same, with only 0.5% saying they would be bedded on a first date.
The spokeswoman for for2.co continued:
''Women are looking younger now, well into their 40s and 50s and so they are rivals to younger women in terms of attractiveness.
''Added to this the fact that they are NOT pressing men for babies, in the way that a woman in her 20s or 30s would.
''Also the fact that they probably have much more energy than older men of their own age, and it seems that the cougar/toyboy relationship is a match made in heaven."
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