Study Reveals Both Men and Women Prefer Younger Partners, But Stigma Still Persists

A recent survey of 4,500 Americans has shed light on an intriguing trend: both men and women are more attracted to younger partners, regardless of age. The study, which includes participants ranging from 22 to 85 years old, suggests that youth tends to hold more appeal in initial attraction, even if we don’t always admit it.

Stephanie and Brad discussed the findings, with Stephanie attributing the preference to biology, stating that youth often signals vitality. While she admits she tends to date people closer to her age, she acknowledges that the attraction to youth is natural. Brad, on the other hand, views the findings as a challenge to societal norms, especially when it comes to women dating younger men. He believes that the so-called "Mrs. Robinson syndrome" — the stigma around older women dating younger men — should be dismissed.

Both experts agree that personal preferences should be respected, with Stephanie noting that she’s comfortable with an age difference of 5 to 10 years, while Brad feels open to much wider gaps, sharing that his first partner was 16 years older than him. Ultimately, as they emphasize, happiness and love should be the ultimate criteria in relationships, not age.