When a man dates a younger woman he is congratulated. But when the roles are reversed and a woman is dating a younger man, it is not so easy. She is often called a “cougar” who has found herself a “toyboy”.
But why be embarrassed? You are not alone if you date a younger man, or decide to start dating again after a divorce. Movie star Hugh Jackman is 13 years younger than his wife of 25 years, Deborah-Lee Furness. And after six years of on again and off again romance Hong Kong movie star Nicholas Tse is still with singer Faye Wong, who is 11 years older.
Most recently, Korean actress Gong Hyo Jin just announced her marriage to singer songwriter Kevin Oh, who is ten years younger than her. Gong Hyo JIn is called the “Queen of romantic comedies” thanks to her roles in hit serials including “Master’s Sun,” “It’s Okay, That’s Love,” “The Producers,” and “When the Camellia Blooms.”
Fans were sent into a fluster when Kevin Oh announced the wedding on his Instagram page with a sweet message. He called Gong Hyo Jin his “soulmate” and “best friend for life.” He added, “Two years ago , I met a girl. Our love was full – yes, daunting at times — but we proved to each other that we need each other,” he said. “And soon, I’ll be able to call her my wife.”
You don’t need to be a celebrity to be open to the idea of a younger man. In Singapore, more women on dating apps are swiping right to accept a younger partner. Statistics from dating agency GaiGai reveal almost 60 percent of new female members say they are open to dating a younger man now, up from 56 per cent in 2016.
So times are changing… but there are still some delicate issues to handle when you date a younger man in Singapore. Let’s explore.