Often thought to be the original cougar, the character “Mrs. Robinson” from the 1960s movie “The Graduate” intrigued viewers at the time, especially when asked by Dustin Hoffman's character “Are you trying to seduce me, Mrs. Robinson?” More recently, the word “cougar” has become a term used to refer to a growing number of middle-aged women who typically frequent clubs and bars in order to meet, and potentially date, younger men.
While some people may claim that cougar behavior reveals a sense of desperation, others view being a cougar as a source of self-empowerment, in which older women reclaim the dating scene and prove once again that they're still attractive and alluring, albeit wiser thanks to being older, and often less desirous of long-term commitments (perhaps also due to being wiser). Some young men are particularly attracted to a cougar because they perceive the relationship as being one with “no strings attached,” providing them with the ability to explore certain aspects of intimacy a woman their own age would never be able to impart, without having to feel committed for the long term.
Wondering if a cougar is seducing you? Here are the signs that you’ve found your own personal “Mrs. Robinson.”
Steps
1 Determine the woman’s age.
Age is a big indicator of whether or not a woman is a cougar. Typically, cougars are considered to be women around age 40 or older, although some people will go as low as 35 for cougar age. You may run into problems trying to discern a woman’s age (without asking her), thanks to the preponderance of plastic surgery and botox usage among cougars. One way to around that conundrum is to study her hands. Women in their 20s and 30s typically don’t have fine lines and visible veins in their hands. Additionally, check out fine lines around the eyes or mouth, which are another telltale sign that your lady friend is over 40. Elbows and knees are another spot to look for small wrinkles and thinner skin, typically signs of "maturity".
2 Evaluate her fashion and make-up。
Fashion for the cougar ranges from high fashion designer suits and power duds to tight fitting dresses that are clearly too short and a lot younger than her age. Typically a push-up bra is required, especially if the cougar has had kids. In terms of make-up, cougars usually go for the intense, to cover up the wrinkles and age marks, such as heavy foundation.
3 Determine if you're dealing with a “ sugar mama”.
cougar are one and the same. Typically dressed to the nines, the sugar mama cougar may be either at the top of her career or is out for revenge from the rich man she has since divorced with a tidy sum awarded to her. This cougar will be ready to pick up the tab and spring for your next new wardrobe. In addition to being well dressed, signs that you may have found a sugar mama cougar include ordering expensive drinks or champagne at the bar, paying with a black American Express Card and owning a high priced vehicle, which she valeted at the bar, club or restaurant. Other signs include visible plastic surgery, expensive jewelry and a toned body (courtesy of her personal trainer and nutritionist).
Look for the lack of a wedding ring. No cougar wears one because she's single and on the prowl.
4 Check out her movements.
Cougar women are far less likely to be on the dance floor and a lot more likely to be seated at the bar, a table or standing along the side. She'll be holding a drink or perhaps an electronic gadget.
5 Compliment her.
Often a compliment or comment about how she looks is what your cougar desires most, especially if she’s coming off a long term relationship or failed marriage. Like all women, she will adore a compliment but she is probably much more likely to accept it greedily than to shy away from it; she's attuned enough to know that the compliment matters, unlike insecure younger women. See how she reacts and be sure to compliment her some more. Make her feel special.
6.Look to the friends or other women she is accompanied by.
Many Cougar women will team up with other cougar women, equally flash in their attire, boisterous in their conversations and unconcerned about how loud they're coming across. They may comb for younger men as a group effort, inviting you and your male pals over for drinks with their whole group.
7.If you're interested, offer to buy her a drink.
If she's keen on you, she won't waste time in agreeing to the drink and sitting down in a comfortable spot together. Shy and slow is not in the cougar's strategy; she's there to find a guy fast, without all the usual dancing around involved in getting to know someone. Try small talk and see where it gets you; likely she'll just get straight to the point.
Many cougars will be completely forthright with wanting to have a bit of fun with you. Don't expect the usual coyness of a younger woman and don't be surprised if she offers you her phone number without you even asking for it.
8 Determine if a “one-nighter” cougar is for you.
In some cases, the cougar may only want to date or be with you or when it’s convenient for her. At this point, that makes you a boy toy, so you should determine if this is the type of relationship you desire. A one-nighter will often call you at midnight for a visit, make and change plans quickly and may often not call for months, but then send you an urgent text or email needing to meet you all of a sudden. Some men seek this type of “relationship” because it generally frees them from commitment. However, the one-nighter could change her mind suddenly should her husband leave her or her situation were to change, making you a prime target for months of one-on-one time.
9.Avoid the “angry cougar .”
Not all cougars play nice and some come out to torture younger men if they're angry at their cheating spouse, divorce or they may be simply experiencing the “change” (menopause). This cougar can be sweet and generous one minute, then turn on a dime. It may be tough to spot an angry cougar during your initial encounter, however, some telltale signs include sour comments about her family or husband (or ex), disdain for her job or work situation or general eye rolling and sarcasm. She may also go on about men in general.
10 Escape the cougar .
If you have spotted a cougar and she's spotted you but you decide she isn't for you, then play on her desire for things to be done quickly as a means for backing down from a potential dalliance. Start ogling a much younger woman in the room or be reticent and uncomfortable around her suggestions to slip off for a quick one. If she continues to pressure, mention that you need to call your wife. She won't hang around for long because time is of the essence.
