How can a guy grow older and more desirable at the same time? A young woman explains. Given a choice between George Clooney and Prince William - two men on every most-eligible-bachelor list worldwide – I’d choose 42-year-old Clooney. It’s not that I discriminate against young guys, it’s just that they’re guys, and what I’m looking for is a man.
Of course, age alone doesn’t make a man sexy. Fact is, right around age 35, men start to fall into one of two categories: attractive bachelor or pathetic single guy. The Clooneys of this world attract the admiring glances of younger women because they’ve cultivated some of these characteristics:
1. He’s experienced but not fatherly A sexy older man has sampled enough of life to know how to successfully navigate roadblocks. He’s a problem-solver, but doesn’t try to solve his lover’s troubles. He listens to her, supports her decisions and offers his solutions if, and only if, she asks.
2. He’s intelligent yet hip He discusses the postmodern complexities of Blade Runner and the social implications of kwaito, not the differences between seed and venture capital.
3. He’s successful but not flashy He’s a man who has something to show for his life - a career he’s passionate about, a home or roots of some kind and relationships. He’s invested in his life and in the world, financially and figuratively. His success is sexy; it’s subtle and speaks for itself. He doesn’t flaunt his possessions, or use them as bait for potential lovers.
4. He makes me dream about taking him to bed An older man presumably has had enough sex to figure out exactly what women want in bed. He’s polite and discreet; his intentions - and his ability to follow through on them - are telegraphed through a knowing twinkle in his eye, not a drunken shimmy on the dance floor.
5. He’s in shape and healthy He exercises and eats healthily, but not just for vanity’s sake. He cares about his health and future and has given up smoking, binge drinking and other early-adulthood habits. A man who takes care of himself is capable of taking care of other people.
6. He’s stylish but age-appropriate This man has developed a classic and unique style that reflects his age and status in life. He knows the value of quality clothing and good tailoring. And he knows how to spend money well. He seems as if he’d give good gifts of elegant lingerie.
7. He acknowledges his age, but doesn’t focus on it When he dates a younger woman, it’s not because he gets off, creepy-style, on the fact that she’s 22 and he’s 42. He doesn’t patronise her with endless conversations about the age difference.
8. He knows what he wants He doesn’t waffle. When he wants a woman, he tells her. And, not surprisingly, often gets her.
