Cougar who dates men two decades her junior defends Bridget Jones-style age gap romances as older men 'aren't good in bed'

A self-confessed cougar who dates men 23 years her junior defends Bridget Jones' age gap relationship. Shirley Rosemary Flynn, 43, started dating younger men 10 years ago after finding that men her own age were 'boring' and 'didn't want to explore in the bedroom' in the same way she did. Now she exclusively dates men in their 20s and 30s and thinks other women should absolutely 'go for it'. Her comments come after the release of Bridget Jones: Mad About The Boy that sees the film's protagonist (played by Renée Zellweger) fall in love with Roxster (Leo Woodall) - a man who is over two decades younger than her.

Shirley, an influencer and customer sales advisor, from Birmingham, West Midlands, said: 'I prefer guys in their 20s. 'When men date get older and date younger women, no one says anything. 'When a women does, they get seen as a slapper. 'I'm not going to look this good forever. I'm not going to have the stamina. I've got to make the most out of it. Shirley Rosemary Flynn, 43, started dating younger men 10 years ago after finding that men her own age were 'boring' and 'didn't want to explore in the bedroom' in the same way she did.

Now, the Birmingham resident exclusively dates men in their 20s and 30s and thinks other women should absolutely 'go for it'. Shirley, who is an influencer and customer sales advisor, started dating younger men a decade ago after she became disillusioned with prospective partners her own age, who couldn't satisfy her sexually. 'Go out and enjoy yourself - it's your life,' she advised women who, like her, may be interested in pursuing age-gap romances.

Shirley started dating younger men a decade ago after she became disillusioned with prospective partners her own age, who couldn't satisfy her sexually. She said: 'I dated a couple of guys who weren't good in bed. 'They weren't adventurous.'. While Shirley has dated men as young as 18 in the past, she now draws the line at 20 because teenagers aren't 'mature' enough for 'a powerful woman' like her. She said: 'At aged 18, some are not mature to take a women like me.

'I see myself as a powerful woman.'. Shirley added that men her own age fine her 'intimidating' whereas young males like the 'challenge'. While Shirley has dated men as young as 18 in the past, she now draws the line at 20 because teenagers aren't 'mature' enough for 'a powerful woman' like her. She said: 'A lot of men I have met in their 40s or 50s tend to gamble and smoke - I find that off putting.'. She urged women to be confident in themselves when pursuing relationships with younger men since they tend to be on the receiving end of a lot of 'judgement' - as well as embarrassing moments.

For instance, she said, 'a guy got ID'd who I was with' adding: 'That was a bit embarrassing. 'One said "Thank you, mum".' she continued. However, for Shirley, ultimately the good out weighs any negativity around her age-gap romances. She said: 'Dating the younger guys it's like an experiment and a lot more than dating older men. 'They are not afraid to try new things,' Shirley continued. 'Older men see an attractive woman as a threat.

'Younger men see us as a challenger. 'The first guy to make me orgasm was a younger guy.'. She urged women to be confident in themselves when pursuing relationships with younger men since they tend to be on the receiving end of a lot of 'judgement' - as well as embarrassing moments. Shirley says women shouldn't be ashamed to try dating someone younger - like Bridget Jones does in the new film - but says they should 'love themselves' first.

She said: 'Go for it and have fun.'. As age-gap romances between older women and younger man become more mainstream - against the backdrop of films like Babygirl and The Idea of You - a relationship expert explained why age discrepancies may be the secret ingredient to ever-lasting love. Speaking to FEMAIL, Kate Mansfield said :'Age-gap relationships often get a bad reputation, full of suspicion about manipulation and the older person taking advantage of the younger one, but they can have some unique advantages.

'Often, older partners bring a level of emotional maturity and stability that can foster a healthier relationship. They may have more life experience, which can help navigate challenges more effectively,' Kate said. She added: 'An older partner may have developed skills in communication, conflict resolution, and financial management that contribute to a more stable foundation for the relationship.'. Kate went on to explain that age-gap relationships can also hold the ideal conditions for learning and growth. She said: 'An age gap often means different generational perspectives.

'This can lead to enriching conversations and opportunities for personal growth as you learn from each other's experiences.'. Shirley says women shouldn't be ashamed to try dating someone younger - like Bridget Jones does in the new film - but says they should 'love themselves' first. 'The older partner can act as a mentor, sharing insights gained from their life experiences, which can help you grow personally and professionally.'.