If you’re thinking about dating a younger man, congratulations. Women’s choices have been limited for far too many centuries. With younger men added to the romantic game board, every woman increases her opportunity for love and romance. As a relationship expert in this specific field of research, I’ve witnessed a tremendous shift in societal perception over the last 10 years. What was once thought of as unusual has now become commonplace.

Our current state of social consciousness has finally allowed all women an expanded freedom of choice. No, you don’t have to be Demi or Madonna. You don’t have to be rich or beautiful. You simply have to be open to the idea, and willing to see younger men as an additional option for partnership.

While the basis of all dating is still the connection between two individuals, this romantic design contains some variations. To enjoy the best results, here are five things you need to know:

1. Be open to the possibility
In order to date a younger man, a woman must first attract a younger man into her life. How does that happen? The answer is simple. Be open to the possibility.

Human beings possess an amazing internal computer system. All of our thoughts eventually become reality. Whatever we allow into our mind will occur in our life. If you want to date a younger man, first allow the thought to exist. It’s like selecting a radio station. Just as you’d tune the dial for the type of music you like, the radio is automatically set to pick up that station. The same is true in what you attract in the form of men. In order to date a younger man, create the mental frequency for his response.

Now, you carry that vibe. Again, like the radio, it’s something you emit. Once this mental frequency is set, it’s ready to be received by younger guys — when you’re walking your dog, in a grocery store or out with friends. You don’t have to change how you dress. You don’t have to scout the college bars. Just live your life, and watch what happens. Trust me on this one. I’ve been dating younger men for 25 years.

2. Expect the unexpected
Younger men come from a different generation. Therefore, they perceive the world differently than their older counterparts. They grew up with working moms. They respect and admire powerful women. Whereas older men have been taught to see women as accessories to their lives, younger guys see women as equals. Since younger men accept female empowerment as the norm, that principle transfers into equal partnership.

Each generation becomes more enlightened and inclusive. Your younger man may surprise you with an unexpected level of self-awareness. He may possess an emotional capacity you didn’t anticipate. Chances are he’ll be more spontaneous and adventurous than you’re used to. He may challenge your ideals. He’s apt to push you to a new understanding of a social situation, or open your thinking to a new perspective. This is rooted in his sense of equality. It’s not borne of a power trip. Younger men are exceedingly comfortable with your power, and don’t need to diminish you in order to substantiate themselves.

Because a younger man hasn’t had the time to learn the routine of dating, he may throw you off a bit… in a good way. Lacking the additional years of acquired gamesmanship, he’s often more natural and honest in his courtship. It’s refreshing. But it requires an equal dose of honesty from you. What attracts a younger man to an older woman is the lack of games. So, if your default is to pullout the known “this-always-works trick,” forget it. He lacks the polish his older counterparts possess in countering your moves. You’ll be forced to be real. Honesty is the best communication policy here. And, that’s a very good thing.

Don’t equate youth with simplicity. He may have more content than you expect. What you thought would be a casual fling may turn into the real thing. Less guarded emotionally (and lacking the years of dating and its corresponding disillusionment), a younger man comes with a cleaner slate. It’s a blank canvass upon which the two of you may design the finest romance imaginable.

3. There will be exciting differences
A younger man will force you to grow. He will open the door to a new vision of life. He may not listen to the same type of music or use the same reference points in conversation that are familiar to you. He may have a completely different worldview — one freer and more open. You will be forced to see things differently and learn new things. That’s good. You’ll be aware of a new world, and see it with new eyes.

There will be enough commonality to connect you, but enough differences to excite you. The connection you share will be one of resonance, not formula. Expansion and excitement are the hallmarks of involvement with a younger man. Be ready to do the “unexpected date,” go to the novel location and experience the unknown. Be ready to laugh. Be willing to let go of what you know and enter the new. Your life will be richer for it.

4. You may not be the one in control
The term “Cougar” conjures up images of a stealth hunter on the prowl for her next easy prey. It sounds empowering, and women love the comparison. But in reality, media has taunted us with a myth. The only thing a secure established woman can control is her own life. Not another’s. As an older woman, you’ve had the added years of self-reflection to have learned your truth and live authentically. You’ve become less reactive (what men call “crazy”), taking on life with a greater perspective while taking yourself less seriously. You’ve won enough battles to know your strengths, and lost enough challenges to know you’ll survive. But don’t assume this younger man is a toy or easy prey.

Younger men are the product of an evolving world. You may easily discover your younger man is more enlightened than anticipated. He may be able to handle things in the dating/relationship process that you can’t. Let him be himself, and allow yourself to be the woman you’ve always wanted to be. Know what you want. State your truth. Don’t worry. You’re not giving up control. You are, in reality, taking authentic control. You’re entering co-creation.

Younger men view dating in terms of partnership. While former versions of dating assumed male and female roles, today’s younger guys prefer to create original models. Resist the temptation to mold him into the rigid dating versions of the past. Don’t allow the old roles to limit your vision.
By assisting each other and working together, you can create the version of dating/relationship that works best for both of you. Here’s where you get to exercise real control. In evolving partnership models, two people function as one unit, with equal input and joint control. It’s a vast improvement on the old dating design. From my years of research, this type of partnership is where the real magic happens.

5. He’s probably had more sex than you have
While you might think you’re the one with all the experience, here’s where the tables often turn. Just because he’s young doesn’t mean he’s sexually naïve. Age doesn’t equal sexual experience. Younger generations have grown up with a more open attitude toward sexuality. From the statistics I’ve studied, many young men have been active since their early teens. Their entire sexual landscape is uncluttered by the former mores of times past. Sexuality is viewed as a healthy, normal part of human expression. It’s a new terrain, where nothing is taboo and nothing is abnormal between consenting adults. You may just learn a thing or two from him.

We always hear that older men are better in bed. Personally, I can’t comment on this one. I think it’s a rumor… started by old men. The oldest man I’ve ever had as a mate was 41. Addressing the assumption that older men have mastered the art of pleasing a woman — again, this is anecdotal. I’ve heard far too many complaints from women to believe it’s factual. Judging from what my girlfriends and clients tell me about their older lovers, it’s definitively dicey. In the arena of sex, older doesn’t always mean better.

As for me, I’ll take my chances with younger men. I know what to expect.

In time, perhaps I’ll have the opportunity to experience a man in his 50′s or 60′s. Then I’ll know the answer to the question, “Are older men better in bed?” But at 80, I probably won’t feel like writing about it.