First off, I'm going to try to get through this without using the term "cougar." (That one doesn't count.) I refuse to use that word to describe anything other an actual jungle cat. (I also refuse to acknowledge the existence of Cougar Town. Were there an actual town filled with cougars, it would be terrifying, and not at all hilarious.)

Basically young men are into older women for the same reasons that young women are attracted to older men. One, there's the experience factor: young guys assume that older women are tigers (not the other jungle cat who will not be named) in the sack because they've (presumably) had tons of sex by this point. They're ready to dive in and get down to business, and don't usually have the hang-ups or insecurities common to younger women. (They're also past the game-playing stage and are more upfront with their feelings and needs. If they just want sex, they aren't afraid to let you know.)

There is also the life experience factor: coug--uh, women of a certain age, have wisdom, knowledge, and advice that they can impart. The attraction for younger men can go beyond the physical: perhaps he's taken by her knowledge of fine wine, or her appreciation for the early works of Suzanne Vega. Maybe he's impressed by her career success, far-flung travels, or general worldliness. Even though the media constantly sells youth, age can be very, very attractive.

And to address the elephant in the room: yes, there is the "mother" factor. If you see a young man with an older woman (or a young woman with an older man) and you don't think it has at least something to do with parental issues, you are sadly mistaken. An older woman screams "stability" and "comfort" to a younger man. I don't mean in a "looking for a sugar mama" sort of way-- I'm talking about the emotional stability and comfort that comes with age.

Finally (and perhaps most importantly): you never know where you'll find your soulmate. Who's to say the person you spend the rest of your life with has to be around your age, or younger? You can't control who you fall in love with. Why rule someone out because of age? Age is just a number. If you don't believe me, watch the movie Harold and Maude. Now Ruth Gordon in that movie, she was no mere cougar. (Argh! So close!) She was a jaguar.