Survey of Canadian males shatters stereotype
Conventional wisdom usually has it that dating young women proves a man’s virility and makes him the envy of his peers.
But the age-old stereotype that older men prefer to date younger women was turned on its head by a survey released Tuesday.
Conducted by XY Canada, publisher of the Wyre, a daily email for men, the survey suggests that most men seek out women closer to their own age.
The survey, which polled 424 males, revealed that 56 per cent think an age difference of five years or less is optimal in a relationship.
“I was surprised by the conservatism of our respondents,” said Smith. “Most would rather date a woman quite close in age to their own. Only 16 per cent said that they thought age differences weren’t important,” said XY Canada executive director Russell Smith in a news release.
A large proportion, 62 per cent, spoke from experience as they had been in relationships in which the age difference was greater than five years. An age difference of 10 years or more was considered inappropriate by 45 per cent of respondents.
“Respondents seemed most concerned about the educational, social and financial differences and see them as big obstacles to dating much younger women,” Smith said.
Differences in “life experiences” were cited by 68 per cent as the greatest barrier to success when dating younger women, while 30 per cent said acceptance by family and friends was important.
A mere nine per cent said differences in sex drive might be a problem.
“The consensus is that a relationship won’t be successful without the common ground that comes with age. What a sensitive bunch of guys,” said Smith.
Based in Montreal, XY Canada is an advisory service for men on aspects of urban life in cities across the country. Topics include style, nightlife, food, women and “other stuff that appeals to the y-chromosome.”
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