Cougars vs. Kittens

Really? Seriously? Is this what the creators of reality TV have come up with?

For those of you that haven't seen the commercials, the latest dating reality tv show is called "Age of Love". Supposedly to determine if "age really matters". The premise is that a group of single 40-something women compete against a group of 20-something women for the affections of a 30 year old hunk.

And the tag line they keep repeating: "It's the kittens vs. the cougars" with the sound of a cat roaring ferociously.

My response when I saw this? "Oh f#@k." Total disappointment.

I'm not necessarily offended by this ridiculous exploitation of society's preference for youth, beauty etc. I'm offended at the idea of pitting women against each other (once again) presumably for the love of a man. And the implications that 40-something women and 20-something women should somehow be competitors. Vicious competitors.

I realize I only represent the opinion of one 40 year old, but in my opinion it would be a rare occurrence that I would find a 30 year old man (hunk or not) that is a good match for me. And if that man (or any man) was more attracted to a 20-something, chances are he isn't the kind of man I'd connect with. It also stands to reason that the men I am attracted to, probably would not be of interest to the young kittens either. So we aren't exactly competing in the same dating pool.

That said, I'm also constantly looking for opportunities where women can be more supportive of each other. I have seen the wonderful bond and connection that can occur between women. I hate our "catty" stereotypes and I've always felt there'd be less infidelity if we women would stick together and not allow it to happen. But I digress.

I prefer to look at how the Cougars and the Kittens can help each other. In various aspects of life. But for the sake if this show's theme, let's just stick with the theme of romance.

What can we Cougars learn from our young Kitten counterparts?

1. Fun.

Yes, we get more sensible as we get older. But Kittens are generally good at being social and having a good time. Taking risks.

2. Fashion.

No, I'm not suggesting we dress like a 20 year old. I'm only suggesting that Kittens can help us stay more youthful in our fashion choices and avoid becoming matronly.

3. Possibility.

Kittens are open to possibilities. They can be hopeful and romantic. They can casually date multiple people just for the fun of it. Because you never know.


And what can our Kitten sisters learn from us Cougars?

1. Body image.

Yes. We love our bodies. And our sex shows it. If I had my twenty something body again...I'd be dangerous. So learn to love what you've got.

2. Confidence.

We're selective. Very selective. Because we can be. We have learned that we don't die if we're not married by a certain age. And that realization is liberating.

3. Girlfriends.

We have learned about the intensely unique and priceless value of our friendships. We no longer neglect them when a man comes along. We know better. Many of our emotional needs are met by the women in our lives, not the men.


So to all you Kittens and Cougars out there- what else do you think we can learn from each other? (And any Wolf or ummm, male perspective is welcome as well.)