What is an age gap?
The amount of years between partners is known as an "age gap". Age gaps can be calculated in months, days, hours, minutes, seconds, milliseconds. but for this discussion, let's just stick to years. In general, there are three common types of age gaps when it comes to sexual partnerships: 1) no age gap (both people are the same age), 2) younger woman/older man (WOM), and 3) older woman/younger man (OWM). We will also discuss WYW (Woman Younger Woman) and OWM (Older Woman Man) further down. The terms "cougar" and "cub" are commonly used to describe these dynamic.
How do age gaps impact sex?
Age gaps play a big role in many aspects of life, including sex. As we get older, our bodies change.
Men tend to lose some muscle mass after 40 while women may experience changes in vaginal dryness or elasticity. This can lead to lower libido or difficulty achieving orgasm. While physical changes are important to consider, there are other factors that come into play such as financial stability, maturity level, and social norms. Partners with large age gaps may feel uncomfortable with each other due to different levels of experience or knowledge about intimacy. Older partners may worry about whether they are still desirable enough while younger partners may be hesitant because their partner could be perceived as predatory.
What is the cougar-cub relationship?
The cougar-cub relationship is a popular term for an older woman dating a younger man. This dynamic has been portrayed in movies like "Basic Instinct", books like "Fifty Shades of Grey", and TV shows like "Sex and the City". In real life, this type of partnership can be very fulfilling if both parties agree on what they want from the relationship.
It does come with its own challenges such as societal judgement, communication difficulties, and potential power imbalances.
An older woman might enjoy being able to teach her younger lover new things but he may not be interested in learning from someone who isn't his peer.
It all depends on the individuals involved.
How do WYW relationships differ from OWM relationships?
While WYW relationships (younger woman/older woman) have many similarities to OMW relationships (older woman/younger man), they also present unique challenges.
Women tend to live longer than men so there is a higher chance that one partner will outlive the other which can cause tension down the line.
Society views same-sex couples differently than heterosexual ones so these partnerships may face additional stigma and discrimination. On the positive side, WYW couples often have more time to explore their sexuality without pressure or judgment from outside forces.
How does an older partner's experience shape age-gap sexual dynamics?
The age gap between partners can have a significant impact on their sexual dynamics. In particular, older partners may feel more comfortable with their own sexuality and be less hesitant to engage in exploration or experimentation compared to younger partners. This confidence may lead them to take more risks and try new things, which can create exciting and unique experiences for both partners.