'I'm a 43-year-old mum dating men in their 20s. Here's my honest verdict on younger men in bed.'

There's been a cultural shift of late. It's no longer just Leonardo DiCaprio who exclusively dates women in their twenties.

Now women in their forties, fifties and sixties are dating and sleeping with men much younger than them. And I'm absolutely one of them.

The last five men I've slept with were between 24 and 28 years old.

I'm 43, separated, and have three children. What I'm noticing on dating apps and out in the wild is that I'm approached by men in their twenties, far more than men my own age. I'd go as far as saying it's fetishised. Targeted, even.

And honestly? I am completely here for it.

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The cultural moment we're having.

We're seeing this reflected everywhere, on our screens and across our algorithms. In The Idea of You, Anne Hathaway stars as a 40-year-old single mum who falls for a 24-year-old pop star.

A Family Affair gave us Nicole Kidman and Zac Efron with an implied age gap of over 20 years. Good Luck To You, Leo Grande featured Emma Thompson, 62, as a retired widow seeking intimacy with a 29-year-old.

On TikTok, hashtags such as #datingyoungermen have garnered hundreds of millions of views. Women openly share their stories, advice, and experiences, challenging stereotypes and normalising what was once taboo.

We're ditching the dated 'cougar' labels. We don't want to marry them or have their babies. We have our own money, we're confident in who we are, and we have experience.

Here's what I've observed after diving into the younger dating pool:

They're porn-influenced.

Nearly all of them attempt some sort of sexual choking — breath play that's become completely vanilla in their world because they have grown up on porn that's normalised it.

I am personally not into any sort of violent cosplay, so I very happily swat them away and say "no, thanks not for me," their response? "What are you into?"

They're genuinely eager to please.

Communication chaos.

They want to "snap" (Snapchat—hard pass), migrate to Instagram or WhatsApp, and add kisses ('x') after every message. It's endearing in a slightly bewildering way, like dating someone from a parallel universe. They also don't use emojis. Emojis are midlife coded.

Also, they are very hesitant to lock in plans too far out. If it's one week away, it's "sure, confirm in a few days xx". So often they miss out because, well, I am a planner and my time is precious.

Risky business.

They almost universally try to avoid condoms. We desperately need to bring back those terrifying adverts because, clearly, they need to be not so gently reminded of the reality of STDs.

Biological bewilderment.

One asked if I was "still fertile" (attempting to justify the no-condom approach). Like it was unclear if people in their forties were still able to get pregnant.

Another expressed surprise that my vagina was "so intact" after having children. The audacity is almost impressive.

The MILF mystique.

They're weirdly into the fact that I have children. Maybe it's a hangover from Stifler's mom in American Pie? Like it's somehow a flex?

When I told a 29-year-old I couldn't meet because it was a "kid weekend," his response was literally: "You're a mum? Cool, MILF."

One current… situation explained: "It's not my fault the typical MILF features are a turn-on, boobs that are softer with a bit more to hold around the hips and bum x."

A 24-year-old I went skinny-dipping with at 2am (peak life moment, honestly) told me the next morning: "I love our nearly 20-year age gap. It's hot." When he first hit on me, I said, "Are you sure? I'm ancient." His response? "You're gorgeous." Swoon.

I said to one of them "I am impressed 20-somethings don't shag like that." and He said "yeah well girls in their twenties definitely don't shag like that."

The undeniable physical reality.

Let's be honest, it's intoxicating being with guys who have young, taut bodies. Yes, it's hypocritical given our 40-something skin isn't exactly tight, but there's something thrilling about trading dad bods for six-packs.

Their stamina isn't necessarily about lasting longer. I would say it's about their enthusiasm for multiple rounds.

Zero guilt, maximum enjoyment.

Do I feel bad about it? Absolutely not. I was married and faithful for years. Now I'm in my peak era, and I don't know how long this bizarre magnetic effect on gorgeous men half my age will last.

I'm not looking for another relationship, so younger guys feel safe, no pressure for anything beyond affection and companionship. They are fun. While I've still got it, I'm going to keep enjoying it.

I can 10/10 recommend it.

Feature Image: Getty. (Stock image for illustrative purposes only).