Are You Dating Mr Big!

He’s successful, smart and sexy—but is he right for you? Anindita Ghosh weighs up the pros and cons of being with a much older man.

- Anindita Ghosh

Hot older men have always had a certain cachet with young women. There is the obvious example of 55-year-old George Clooney and the beautiful, accomplished and 17-years-younger Amal Clooney. Closer home, there’s 51-year-old marathoner and Ironman Milind Soman who had a longish affair a few years ago with actor Shahana Goswami, who was an eyebrow-raising 21 years younger than the former model!

When it comes to Soman and Clooney, it is not hard to figure out the appeal. In fact, a 2010 study by Scottish psychologists published online in the journal Evolutionary Psychology said good looks in addition to financial stability were a big draw for young, financially independent women. For most women, however, good looks are not all that matter and the debate is still on about whether it is cool or creepy to have a relationship with a guy who is from another generation. From the point of view of longevity, experts believe there’s no reason to be pessimistic about your chances with a much older man. Dr Ashish Kumar Mittal, consultant psychiatrist, Columbia Asia Hospitals, Gurgaon, says, “The age gap can be bridged if you can manage your relationship well. On a social level, it is better to be open about your twosome. At the end of the day, compatible mindsets can bridge any age gaps with ease.”

THE PERKS

He takes charge