How to date younger men

2. The stereotype trap

Old assumptions die hard, and they can sabotage relationships. Chris, 25, says: 'I was seeing a 38-year-old woman for two years, and I really fell for her. But my friends constantly made fun about my 'old lady'. I couldn't handle it and neither could she, so we split up.'

What to do: Stop being so concerned about other people. They're not in this relationship. Show friends and family that you're perfectly suited, and the age gap will quickly fade into the background.

3. The sex gap

Lucy, 47: 'Actually, younger men aren't great in bed. They may be able to get it up more, but that's not what good sex is about. They just don't have enough experience to please you.'

What to do: What he lacks in experience he probably makes up for in enthusiasm. So show him how to please you. Tell him what feels good. He'll love that you're turning him into a sex god – and you get to reap the benefits.

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Part III: Age-gap love dictionary

The older women-younger men trend has given us a whole new lexicon of love...

Cougar bait (noun)

An attractive, confident woman over 40 who only dates younger men and isn't looking for a relationship – she enjoys the trill of the hunt!

Need to know: It's easy to find fans of older women on dating websites. Just look for the fit young chaps who give an older age range in the 'what I'm looking for' bit of their dating profile.

MILF (acronym)

'Mother I'd Like To F**k.' Sexually alluring mums – single, married, divorced, widowed, whatever. Spin-offs include GILF ('Grandmother I'd Like to...')

Need to know: The term came to prominence after the movie American Pie.

Oedipus complex (noun)

Freud's theory that all men subconsciously want to sleep with their mothers and kill their fathers.

Need to know: Someone better tell Ashton Kutcher's dad.

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