Hi all, I'm new here.

I am puzzled by something I've noticed on online dating services. Why is it that the majority of men say they are looking for women younger than themselves?

As in, they will say their age is 45 but they are looking for someone 28-45. ??? I don't get it. I am 47 and I never would dream of looking for a 28 year old man for a relationship! Nothing in common.

But men's profiles say that ALL THE TIME! Women's seem to have more of an even split. For example, a 35 year old will be looking for a man 30 - 40 years old.

Most men's profiles are just nuts about that! I mean, honestly, are most 28 year old women really going to want to date a 45 year old??? No way! Some, maybe, but not in general.

So what is this with the men my age looking for a cohort of women whose ages start at almost my daughter's age?

And to be honest with you, the other really annoying thing about it is that most men my age who post their photos look WAY older than what they say they are. So they look about 60 and want to date 28 year olds. What is that????

Because we can.

It's wishful thinking on their parts But hey, it saves you time from talking to them right? You already know the ones you won't be interested in.

I'm 43 and I date 29-35 year olds. I can have as little or as much in common with a younger guy as in with an older guy. I am more attracted to younger guys, and mostly, I have more in common with them in terms of music, fashion, and fitness. As long as I am successful and happy then why change? I don’t have the same family orientation as most women my age: I am not interested in kids or anyone with kids and I don't plan to marry.

Age (young or old) and genders both possess the ability to have integrity, intelligence, and commitment. It all boils down to the individual.

So, the same flows to the male gender. If that's what they want and they can -- they will.

Everyone has the luxury of choice.

It's just a preference that they have, age is just numbers and at those ages you are adults and should date who you want. It doesn't matter about age it's all base on how well 2 people get along. As for me it's 35 to 50.

Mine has always been 40-50.

28-30 year old woman will date 45 and above, I see it all the time. Security I guess, financial and a 45 year old men more likely to have a job and place, unlike a 28 year old fresh out of college or starting a job. Especially in this economy.

And older women do date younger guys, my neighbor's wife is 10 year older and they are senior citizens so it isn't new at all and for younger guys dating older women (5-10 year older) probably comes from either being dissapointed in a relationship with multiple failures with younger girls and see the older ones who are more likely to stick with one person once they find it and probably some guys are looking for a determined woman ready to settle instead of a risk of a younger girl who isn't really sure whether she should settle or just date around.

Now, none of these are the most common, you're right about that, but they all exist and nothing wrong with them.