Cougar is a recent term that describes an older single woman that preys on younger men for a relationship, Cougars are generally very attractive and well presented although some argue they are dressed too young for their age. Cougars tend to be divorced or separated, and some have families but they all embrace their new found singledom to have fun and meet younger attractive young men.

The term Cougar has become very popular with TV shows like Cougar Town, How I met your mother and other shows that make reference to the phenomenom. The older person with younger person in a relationship has always stereotypically been the sugar daddy with beautiful young women as their partners. These relationships are often assosciated with the stereotype of a golddigger female as most people feel a young attractive woman will only go with an older man if it is for their money.

The Cougar is a different stereotype, at first I thought it was the female equivalent of a Sugar Daddy, as equal rights come into play why shuoldn’t women have the same fun as men? However the Cougar is much more as younger men are attracted to these older women for their experience (culture and sexual), and these women often look amazing for their age- or any age! Think Demi Moore and Ashton Kutcher.

Women who become Cougars are typically women who married or got into a long term relationship very young, they often have children and are single mums but have some disposable income for nice clothes, grooming and going out. But in reality Cougars are any older woman that has come out of a relationship and wants fun, they often choose younger men as they are less likely to pressure into settling down quickly.

Studies have showed, from dating site stats, that the Cougar is actually a myth and older women are not actually preying on younger men in this way. Many consider the Cougar to be a myth developed by dating agencies who want to push together the older sophistcated woman with the toy boy. However from most surveys and dating site activities it seems women are looking for someone the same age or older.

What do you think? Are you a Cougar? Do you know a Cougar? Do you think there is no such thing as a Cougar and it is all in the media? Discuss your thoughts on our Divorce Forum.