Once you’re done playing around with fuck boys and dating total douche bags, it’s only natural for your eye to wander to an older age bracket.

Men (not boys) tend to be more gentlemanly and on your intellectual level, but they’re not all sunshine and roses either…

Unless he’s a billionaire, in which case ignore all the cons on this list and go live the dream, girl.

PRO: He Shouts You Drinks

Put your purse away, because now you’ve got a real man he’s very likely to pay. Take a ‘feminist’ stand if you will and refuse to let him, but every bottle of wine saved is a step closer to owning everything from FENTY beauty.

CON: Baggage

If he’s lived an extra 10 years longer than you, he’s likely to have the same amount of years in baggage. But if his other family isn’t a secret, then it’s totally cool, right?

PRO: He’s Openly Affectionate

In public, in front of your friends and even in front of your parents (shock horror). Nothing will make an older guy shy away from showering you with kisses and cuddles whenever he feels like it.

CON: It’s Likely He’ll Die Before You

Soz, but it’s true so cherish those ‘younger years’. Comforting if you’re a gold digger though.

PRO: Chivalry

Car doors are just the beginning. Front doors, restaurant doors, McDonalds when you’re too hungover doors – the possibilities are endless!

CON: “He’s my boyfriend, not my dad…”

Depending on your level of silver fox to sexy minx, you may have to clarify your relationship to the odd salesperson every now and then. And sadly, you may also have to deal with some judgemental glances. Just tell them to take a hike.

PRO: He says what he means

Crazy concept right?! But if he says he’ll call you, he’ll call you. And if he says goodnight, he’s actually going to bed. If he says he loves you, HE LOVES YOU. And if he says he doesn’t want to be with you anymore, you should definitely stop driving around to his house and spraying your perfume on his pillow.

CON: Your friends and family will obsess over his age

While you’re likely to forget about the age gap after the first bonk, your friends and family won’t. They’ll constantly ask you a bunch of ‘what ifs’, grill him until he’s burnt to a crisp and make it seem like you’re missing out on all the stand up young gentleman out there. (Ummm speed dealers and sparse moustaches? I’m good thanks.)

PRO: Experience

Oh, HE KNOWS where to find it.

CON: Experience

As long as you’re not one to dwell on sexual history…

Words by Samantha McMeekin