Nicole Kidman’s latest movie, Babygirl is a romantic drama that centres around a high-powered CEO who puts her career and family on the line when she has an affair with a much younger intern.
The film highlights the “babygirl” trend, which has gained significant attention in recent years, where younger men pursue relationships with older women. This dynamic, often celebrated on social media and dating platforms, challenges traditional age-based dating norms and redefines how relationships are viewed across generations.
Why has 2024 been dubbed the year of the cougar?
According to People, this year has shone the spotlight on age gap relationships after we watched older women nab younger men in three box office gems.
Anne Hathaway falls in love with a boy band star in The Idea of You. Laura Dern steals a younger beau from his fiancé in Lonely Planet. And Nicole Kidman falls for a Hollywood star in A Family Affair.
Why the Younger-Man, Older-Woman Dynamic is Thriving
According to Psychology Today, there are several changes that have contributed to the younger-man, older-woman dynamic.
Women are more empowered and confident, financially independent and secure in themselves.
Younger men often find older women attractive because of their maturity, life experience, and emotional stability.
Older women and younger men are challenging societal norms that relationships should align strictly by age. With online dating apps erasing traditional barriers it’s easier for people of any age to connect.
These relationships in movies, TV shows, and celebrity news have shown that expectations are changing, with love and compatibility becoming more significant than age.
SA CELEBRITIES WHO HAVE DATED YOUNGER MEN
Several prominent South African female celebrities have been known to date or marry younger men, reflecting a broader acceptance of age-gap relationships.
DJ and businesswoman, DJ Zinhle has been in relationships with younger men, including the late rapper AKA. He was four years her junior, and currently with Murdah Bongz, who is three years younger.
Ayanda Thabethe dated musician Dash, who is four years younger than her.
Actress Khanyi Mbau was in a relationship with Zimbabwean businessman Kudzai Mushonga, who is seven years younger.
Singer and actress, Simphiwe Ngema was involved with model and actor Tino Chinyani, who is six years her junior.
Would you risk it all for love if it meant breaking society’s rules?
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