DATING STANDARDS: Mate1.com Asserts that Age Is Just a Number

MONTREAL, April 17, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Dubbed "cougars," women who date younger men have garnered a great deal of attention from popular culture. From television shows to talk shows, people seem fascinated by the relationships between older women and younger men. Despite the fact that this particular age difference is a bit of a cultural curiosity, many women find that they are more compatible with younger men. This may especially prove true after a lengthy relationship comes to a close, either through a break up or a divorce. In The Huffington Post, Marni Battista showcases her experiences as a "cougar" while debating whether this particular cultural phenomenon should ruffle any feathers in the dating world. Mate1.com concurs that, when all is said and done, age is not the defining factor in a successful relationship.

Battista concedes that she attempted dating men her age, but she simply could not connect with them because of their priorities. Although they had many life experiences in common, these men were reeling from their own romantic tragedies. Recovering from divorce or taking full advantage of their newfound freedom, these men were not interested in a serious relationship. Simply put, Battista and these men simply were not compatible.

In her article, Battista makes it clear that daters must decide what characteristics, goals, and experiences are non-negotiable in their dating preferences. For example, women should seek men who have similar family values as they do. Mate1.com, a popular Internet dating site, agrees. Dating is more than a collection of events—it is a process that helps daters grow in their experiences while learning more about themselves and their potential partners. Mate1.com suggests that its members keep an open mind when searching for new love interests. Age and other such factors are simply not as important as values, goals, and experiences.

Of course, asserting that age is of no consequence whatsoever is a bit unrealistic. Mate1.com's CEO, Elizabeth Wasserman, knows that age is important to some people. In fact, age gaps that are too large may make people feel insecure or uncomfortable. Furthermore, differences in age can result in disparities between a couple's expectations. However, if life experience, communication, and other important factors are indeed intact, age may be seen as no more than a number.

ABOUT:

Mate1.com is an Internet dating website that has developed a unique virtual environment. Through Mate1.com, members can start any kind of relationship they may seek, from casual flings to serious attachments that end in marriage. Since its launch in 2003, Mate1.com has grown its database to include upwards of 40 million members. Furthermore, the website offers exciting features, such as adaptive matching, live chat, a newsfeed, and a voice recording capability. Most importantly, the organization has accumulated nine years of experience and, with it, behavioral data, which has allowed it to study the nature of Internet dating and adjust its own practices to make the best matches possible.   

SOURCE Mate1.com