They are called cougars: sleek, rich, powerful and beautiful. They are women who are way much older than most men but with the right mindset, a great plastic surgeon and oozing with confidence and sensuality, they can capture the hearts and minds of male Generation Xers (or even Yers!).

Contrary to popular belief, not all men are automatically drawn to sexy, young women. Although there is no specific statistics on younger men dating older women, the US Census reports that 12 percent of marriages are between older women and younger men. May-December affairs have certainly been hyped up by celebrities who have made these types of relationships much sexier.

Demi Moore and Ashton Kutcher has certainly become the poster couple for men-dating-older-women genre. Susan Sarandon is 12 years older than his beau Tim Robbins. Desperate Housewife Eva Longoria is also married to a much younger Tony Parks. The list goes on. Some people may not understand the attraction but it has to do with a lot of personality that makes the relationship work.

It could be because older women are more mature when it comes to serious relationships. They can handle a lot of situations much better than younger women. It could also be experience, whether it be sexual or emotional. Some theorize that it is the man's natural tendency towards an oedipal complex that makes them want women much older than they are who remind them of their mothers.

Whatever the reason, these things happen. For men who find themselves in this situation, it can be a little complicated. You might get both approval and disapproval by friends and family. But the more likely scenario is criticisms and constant reminders of the taboo. Here are some ways that you can make it work.

1. Be transparent

If you are dating an older woman, you are more likely to have an honest relationship. Older women know what they want and they will speak their minds. You should too. If you are in the relationship for fun and companionship only (sans strings), then you should talk it through and make things clear at the start. Then you can proceed to have a good time without over-thinking each move.

2. Set your prejudices aside

An older woman is more independent, especially when it comes to finances. She will likely be an accomplished businesswoman or a career professional. She will insist on paying her own and she doesn't need your chivalry. Do not take it as emasculating because older women are protective of their financial and emotional independence. They have worked hard for it and expect it to be the same with anyone. But sometimes, she will find it endearing if you take your time to prepare a special dinner for her or take her on surprise weekend getaways, all paid by you of course.

3. At last, someone who is not clingy

If you detest women your age who are constantly asking you to go on dinner dates, holidays, trips to her parent's home and are persistently calling you 24/7, then you will love older women. Fiercely independent, they also want time for their families, friends and career. You will have to settle for being relegated to the background. Their lives will not revolve around you and you have to be prepared for that.

4. She will speak her mind

Older women are not afraid to speak their minds. They will tell you what they want in bed as well as in the relationship. Which makes everything fun and nonsensical fights reduced. If you are used to women who say one thing and mean another, expect different from older women. However, there are times that older women will also be vague and capricious like their younger counterparts, but generally, older women with their caches of experience like everything laid out in front of them.

5. Sex can be great too

This is one of the top reasons why men date older woman. And this has scientific backing too. Women usually experience their sexual peak in their late 30s to their 40s and men in their 20s. This makes older women and younger men compatible partners in bed. But never go into this kind of relationship with this mindset though. Great sex may or may not happen with older women. It does have a higher probability since mature women has less of the emotional angst younger women associate with sex.