She can be seen at clubs with dress codes and cover charges. You can find her in private suites at NBA games. During daylight, when the sun warms the urban jungle, she takes refuge at the beach and private city clubs where she pounces on unsuspecting pool boys. Why? Because she’s finally made it. The cougar has reached a level of independence that only a man once had. He could demand any woman, any time, any place. Now women are doing the same. They can frequent the same high status bars and events that a man can, so they do.
Her prey is eager and hungry to please. At a young age, this boy is already exploring new lands. He’s dreaming about older women, maybe fantasizing about his best friend’s mom. In fact, it’s probably an innocent glimpse of her in the shower that piqued his interest and a stolen afternoon in her bedroom that converted him. He is the junior investment banker. The law associate. The realtor. He’s the kid who gets the office beat-down from nine to five and is ready to be loved and wanted by his cougar.
Her most prized prey is the frat boy. He is young, usually a virgin (in the sense that he hasn’t been with any other cougars, not that he hasn’t been with a woman) and loves the independence and fiery spirit of the cougar. And, she knows it. She loves the attention, the fun, and the lack of expectations that come with a youthful relationship.
We’ve seen cougars pouncing in movies and on TV, and we laugh and envy them. Yet when we see them in real life, why do we shun them? What was once just a scene in The Graduate has become a mainstay across our country. “Are you seducing me, Mrs. Robinson?” released older women from the confines of unfulfilling marriages and tabooed relationships. Anne Bancroft and Dustin Hoffman started the public movement of May-December romances. In Melrose Place, Heather Locklear set the standard for high-powered executive women to do with men what they wish, and on their desk if they see fit. In Sex and the City, Samantha Jones taught women that having sex like a man is not only acceptable, but exciting. Jerry Hall has made a career out of being a lady cougar with her new series Kept. Demi Moore showed the whole world that she did not fear old age, nor was she about to roll over and play dead because she was over forty, divorced, and had three children. Not only did she snag herself a young piece of meat, she gave America the middle finger and married him.
A word to the wise: though these cougars are beautiful, Heather, Samantha, Jerry and Demi have taught us that a cougar is tough and is not to be toyed with. She has rules. When she says leave, it’s time to leave. Never question her, unless she tells you to. Compliment her. Never say the word “old,” unless you’re talking about her ex-husband. It’s about independence, power, and equality, and the cougar wants every last bit of it.
Like the song says, “Whoa here she comes, watch out boy, she’ll chew you up, Whoa here she comes, She’s a man eater.”
