Greater independence
Generalisations are no more than that, and Glenn Close was pushing 40 when she did the rabbit thing in Fatal Attraction. But surely one of the most admirable qualities of older women is that they tend to be more independent, more comfortable in their own space, and so less needy.
Chances are she will have experienced being in and out of relationships before, and be less likely to demand you are with her or in constant contact with her or that you are welded together 24/7. Being desired is great, but clingy is awful and she will be cool enough not to do it.
Greater assertiveness
Most of us do not wish to be pushed around, but neither do we wish to decide what to do all the time – or to spend our waking hours trying to second-guess someone. A more mature woman is likely to have a clearer idea of who she is and what she wants.
This can be liberating for both of you, not least because she is less likely to waste time playing games when she knows what she wants – and whether or not you can deliver. She will cut to the chase while her younger, more timid sister is still playing hard-to-get.
Better social skills
Admittedly being more forthright and self-aware can make anyone – male or female, irrespective of age – boring and horribly opinionated. But hopefully with age comes knowledge and sophistication, two crucially important qualities when it comes to being good company.
Most of us fail to notice a good conversation, being happily engaged with the subject matter (and the person talking) rather than analysing what is being said. We notice the bad ones though, and so often the speaker is young, gauche, unsophisticated, lacking in self-confidence, and so so dull.
Better resourced
Older women tend to earn more money than pretty school leavers. That sounds mercenary and, in a sense, it is. But only because in this day and age, one can understand why any male may quail slightly at the thought of picking up the bill every single time.
Clearly it is to be hoped that most men will be gentlemanly, and be chivalrous and traditional enough to do the decent thing when the two of you are out on the town. But it is useful to know that, going forward, she may occasionally return the favour – even if you graciously decline.
Better at dating
Being more grown-up means doing more grown-up things. Sometimes older women will let their hair down, and some may occasionally exhibit vaguely wild-child behaviour. Mostly though they will want to avoid becoming paralytic and throwing up, or cramming onto a deafening dancefloor with another 10,000 sweaty bodies.
Which is as it should be. One of the most important things about dating is getting to know each other, which takes time, patience, and peace and quiet. Where better to start the process than in a smart restaurant, offering good food and discreet but attentive service?
