A WOMAN in her 40s shared the backlash she receives for her age gap relationship. The self-described "cougar" said things got serious after what was initially supposed to just be a "fling" with a younger man. In her viral video, TikTok user Shona (@dirtroadshighheels) gave her followers a glimpse into her relationship with a man almost half her age.
![[A woman and a man traveling together.]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/now-im-40s-18-years-966255788.jpg?strip=all&w=540)
She joked that she had already graduated school before her boyfriend was even born. The TikToker, who is aged in her 40s, had set out to have a "weekend fling" with a younger man. Shona met her now boyfriend, who is 18 years younger than her, and felt an instant connection.
![[Woman and man on beach holding coconuts; text overlay says they are traveling together unexpectedly.]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/199b56f0-1a2b-48bd-999a-d7fc93cf57ab.jpg?strip=all&w=565)
Despite judgement from the people in their lives, the pair began seriously dating and even post about their age gap relationship online. They have now been dating for over two years, after meeting in 2022. Shona has received comments from strangers online who tell her to date someone her own age.
She clapped back at her haters, telling them to "shut up" about her relationship. The TikToker went on to describe her partner as "the least expected person" to give her everything she's ever wanted. She advised other women in their 40s not to "settle" for someone their own age.
Shona pointed out that "someone's son in his 20s" has been treating her "like a queen" since they met. She explained that the gap in their ages doesn't bother her boyfriend, and that's all that matters. "Remember, it doesn't matter what anyone else thinks, just do what makes you happy," she told her audience.
