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Cityfile has partnered with Dr. Helen Fisher to bring you the latest insight into love and romantic attraction. A renowned biological anthropologist, Dr. Fisher has conducted extensive research in the fields of human sexuality, love and marriage. She serves as Chief Scientific Advisor for the internet dating site Chemistry.com.

Question: What's with the sudden increase in older women dating younger men?

Answer: I actually admire men who go out with older women. I imagine that they must be smart because older women have more experience, and they're more likely to be interesting.

Sure, I know some really boring older women (as well as some very intriguing younger ones). But, all things considered, age does have its perks. And the younger man who can sustain the interest of an older woman is likely to be equally evolved.

There's a Darwinian reason, though, that explains why people gawk at these combinations: It's not a logical reproductive match. Older women are less likely to bear children, so the younger man who goes out with an older woman isn't necessarily propagating his DNA. It's genetic suicide and in our bones we feel this combo is unnatural. But a lot of men and women don't want to have kids these days. So why not follow your heart? I think these couples are part of a much larger 21st century trend of dating, loving, and marrying whom we please.

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