Distinguished vs Innocent

I used to think at school that the guys my age were goofballs and the ones three years older were more mature and much better looking. I since found out that an age gap; even a small one, can have detrimental effects on a relationship.

I also remember that while I had my eyes on an 'older' prize, a friend of my Mam's married a guy twenty years younger. They are still married today and look as happy as spring lambs.

If we look at history and the media, the 'older'/'younger' game has been around quite a while. Why Henry VIII himself married Catherine Howard at the tender age of 19. Himself was 49. Demi Moore dug her claws into Ashton Kutcher who was 26 to her 41. And of course, who could forget the scandalous Anna Nicole Smith who pledged her life to Howard Marshall II at the age of 89. She was a baby at 26 (although not an innocent!)

But what is it about the older or younger man that attracts us?

In the distinguished corner we have Mr Clooney, as smooth and silky as coffee, and Kelsey Grammer, who is looking a little Bond these days (this will make sense if you watched the 30 Rock adverts).

Both are laid back, with peppered hair and crinkly eyes. They've grown up, matured like fine wines and experienced the struggles and strains of young life. Due to this they are more sensible than their younger counterparts. They are comfortable in their own skin, unhurried and assured. They have money at their disposal (usually) and a bucket-load of stories.

While in the younger corner we have Ashton Kutcher with his explosive enthusiasm and Justin Bieber who still looks like a 10 year old. Bless! The younger man, in comparison, is much more energetic with big dreams to chase. His attention is fleeting, he's still finding out who he is in life - his identity. He has much to prove and is exploring his options. He has a ability to revive our youth and our energy, give us a boost of confidence and the viewpoint that life is endless.

I have the say that there are positives and negatives to both, but frankly, I would just want a man who ‘gets’ my jokes – which are usually terrible and based on 80s movies.