No fool like a younger-woman chaser

Recently I wrote a column that included quotes from men seeking to date younger women - as much as 20-30 years younger. The responses from single women age 50-plus were swift and vehement.

"Wake up, guys," said Ruth Spencer of Ladera Ranch. "The young women may be interested in your money and gifts; however, they have no desire to take care of an old man when they still want to be out having fun. A young woman and an older man together look like father and daughter."

La Habra resident Marilyn Huff said, "Women who seek a relationship are comfortable with someone close to their age. I will not respond to anyone looking for a hood ornament. So men, get real and stick to someone in your own generation and you will have more luck and fun."

Even in Alaska, women object: "I am continually amazed that men think the younger woman is the ticket. It is painful to listen to lonely men whine when there is a plethora of wonderful, kind, intelligent and mature women out there if the men could just get past age," said Terese Connolly of Skagway.

Gayle Rieder of Brick, N.J., got right to the point: "The difference between an older man with a much younger woman on his arm and an older woman with a much younger man on her arm? The woman knows she looks ridiculous!"

Saying she looks 55 but is actually an"attractive 62," Annette Mowery of Burleson, Texas, said, "Older men need to wake up and realize if they want the perfect model-looker on their arm, they need dollar signs taped to their suits."

Reaction from the Big Apple: "A short visit to New York will reveal how pervasive this practice of men seeking women much younger than themselves is. Most women have to lie about their age, and if they don't lie or don't have plastic surgery, they are out of luck. It's that simple and that awful!" e-mailed Shirley Budhos of Greenwich Village.

Imagine Longmont, Colo., resident Virginia D'Orazio's surprise when she stumbled upon her ex husband's profile on an Internet dating site.

"Yuck! Here is this 57-year-old bald, potbellied, wrinkled guy who looks 10 years older than he is, stating he's only interested in women in their 30s and 40s. Whom do these guys think they are kidding?"

Mary Platter of Costa Mesa shared an important point that older men should consider: "If men are specifically targeting women 20 years younger, they eliminate a lot of potentially wonderful women out there. It's what's in the heart and soul that counts."

I agree with Mary. My partner of six-plus years is within a year of my age. Being with her has enriched my life. So guys, wise up and stop dreaming. Dating someone close to your age could make your loneliness woes disappear.

Activities

Join 700 adult members of Continuing Learning Experience at California State University, Fullerton. The new semester begins this week. Call (714) 278-2446 or go online at cle.fullerton.edu. Great program and opportunity to meet others.

"Journey to Love" seminar series begins Thursday in Irvine. Call M.P. Wylie at (949) 725-3366 or go to www.journey tolove.com.

Dancing at Tijuana's, Irvine (Sand Canyon exit off the Santa Ana (I-5) Freeway). Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays nights. East and West Coast swing. 8:30 lessons.

Atomic Ballroom, Irvine. Swing lessons Friday nights. www.atomicballroom.com.