013 Suzanna Mathews M is for Mrs Robinson

Hi everyone!  Welcome to the A to Z of Sex. I’m Dr Lori Beth and I am your host.  We are working our way through the erotic alphabet one letter at a time.  Today’s letter M and M is for Mrs Robinson. Mrs Robinson was the older woman in the film the Graduate who seduced the younger man. She was the consummate cougar. Today my guest Suzanna Mathews -- also known as The Date Maven -- has written a new book: Revising Mrs. Robinson. It is an exploration of social and personal responses to romantic relationships between older women and younger men. Revising Mrs. Robinson uses the critical lenses of ageism and sexism to examine this phenomenon and applies social science research and the stories of women interviewed across the country. The book provides perspective, insight, and guidance for women who are trying to manage the unique challenges presented in a “cougar-cub” relationship.

Cross-generational relationships aren’t just a “Hollywood topic” or in the exclusive territory of the likes of Jennifer Lopez or Kris Jenner and their younger male partners or reference points for TV shows like "Younger" and "Girlfriend's Guide To Divorce" or pop songs like "MILF$" by Fergie. They are a growing phenomenon in society. Older men have courted younger women for centuries with little stigma or self-doubt, but this isn't always the case when a middle-aged woman is involved with a younger man.

With 2017 being the 50th anniversary year of the Mike Nichols' film, "The Graduate" -- which introduced us to the original cougar, Mrs. Robinson -- the time is right to open up the conversation on this unique dating & relationship phenomenon. 

Suzanna is a self-confessed “Love Junkie” and an expert in first impression management and gender communication, specializing in soulful-spiritual relationships, intergenerational dating, and high net worth relationships. She is also a keynote speaker, wedding officiant, and image consultant.

Suzanna believes that “love favors the brave” and is dedicated to helping people amplify their vibration in order to better attract, give, and receive love. She works one-on-one and in small group settings using a blend of marketing & branding strategies and tools for personal growth and self-improvement. 

We spoke of the various things that have made Cougar/cub relationships more acceptable recently, millienial’s ease with sexual fluidity, and the older woman’s confidence.  Many couples do find themselves dealing with negative responses from those around them and often the women have their own internal battle to manage.  They can sometimes find themselves over focusing on perceived physical signs of aging, worrying about what others will think of them and wondering why these men find them attractive.

On the positive side, these relationships are often sexually extremely exciting and satisfying.  Women find a return to a freer sexual expression and are better able to ask for what they want.  The men enjoy their partner’s strength and some are happy to be ‘kept’ by their older and more successful partners.  Suzanne said that for many this relationship was a ‘palette cleanser’ – a short-ish relationship that happened after the woman ended a long term relationship.  She said that for others, what started as short term effortlessly turned into long term.

Thanks for joining me this week for the A to Z of Sex  Write in with your questions to drloribeth@atozofsex.com and visit both websites www.atozofsex.com and www.the-intimacy-coach.com to learn about alternative sexual choices, types of sexual relationships and to learn to sizzle and create that ideal lasting intimate relationship.   For a free 30 minute session with me, head over to www.atozofsex.com and click on the button that says ‘book now’.