How To Be A Cougar

Among the reasons men prefer dating older women? Theyve been there, done that, accomplished more than their younger counterparts. These guys are tired of hearing about entry-level struggles and what I want to be.

They admire you for who you are and what youve done. So dont be shy play up your promotionsamongahemother things.Nothings sexier than a woman talking about what she loves with just a little cleavage showing. Throw on a pair of librarian glasses and fantasies are sure to ensue.

As big and tough as any guy acts, deep down he wants to be coddled and cared for. Aw, how sweet.

Were not saying he wants to date his mother, but hell appreciate some guidance every now and then and maybe a home-cooked dinner.

Please, please, though, suppress the urge to wipe food off his face or say good boy if he finishes his milk.

Think of a real cougar (the ones in the jungle, not the LA-based ones). Theyre sleek, sophisticated, self-assuredand they always get their prey.

If you believe youre the hottest woman in the room, you are! And chances are hell take notice. If you dont, well, fake it til you make it. A glass or two of champagne can aide in this.

The mind is a powerful thing; the more desirable you think you are, the more desirable you become.

Sure, a sushi dinner is delicious, and a weekend spa appointment is relaxing, but a cougar on the prowl will come up empty in these habitats.

For a broader selection of cubs, hit up local happy hours -- particularly in the financial district of your city. Of course, if you can stomach it, you can multiply your odds at any point by stepping into the cub's natural den: a sports bar on game day. Rawr!

Which brings us to this point.

Like it or not, you are older than the Oh-my-god-I-just-ate-a-piece-of-pizza-Im-soooo-full girls hes used to hanging out. Are said girls annoying? Yes! Do they have a massive biological advantage when it comes to the effects gravity over you? Hell yes!

Time to dust off that gym membership. Its a jungle out there which of course means survival of the fittest.

If youre on the prowl for a cub, youre already balking in the face of tradition. So why not go a little further? Dont swear off blind dates and set-ups. A weekend get-away after just a week of dating? Why not?

Being a cougar doesnt define you, right? So dont define the people you meet based on first impressions.

Divorced at 30, tattoos and piercings, a dumpy apartment? Theres more to him than that and most things have an explanation.

You know, on second thought if his apartment is a dump, maybe its not a good idea. Your days of staying in a garbage-rife, mattress-on-the-floor apartments for the sake of love should be a thing of the past because man, that was the worst.

If theres a car seat in the back of your car or little baggies of Cheerios on the flooryoure not fooling anyone. Clearly, youve been toting around your grandkids.

You know how guys in their 20s and 30s are known for getting nervous and bailing once they hear a woman has a son or somethingimagine how hell react if he hears you have a grandson!

Ditch the kiddie paraphernalia and lose whatever CDs you have in the car.

On second thought, lose the CDs altogether. Its 2011. Get an iPod installed!

(Just dont load it yourself.)

And if youd rather not be a cougar, respect them. As you can see from above, it is darn hard work being entertaining a cub.


Barbara Sharnak is an entertainment/lifestyle producer and writer. She's worked for Clear Channel's Kiss 108 FM, Sky TV, WebVet.com and currently works as an Associate Director at United Stations Radio Networks.

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