Caution, wardaddy, caution. ;-)
Then there is the “challenge” thing...
And why do they have a "thing" for older men? Primarily financial stability.
I'm 55, been on the dating scene again for the last 18 months and I'm not sure, but I think I've pretty much seen it all. I'm a pretty average looking guy and I've been hit on by women as young as 37. The last one being a 45 year old woman from China who's been here since she was 15 and owns three of her own businesses. She's financially stable herself, an attractive woman and honestly could probably have about anyone she wants.
So why do these women like older men? I'm thinking it's because we're financially set. One other factor does come into play: there are more available women then there are men. I know there are quite a few widow's starting in the early to mid 40's through their 60's as well. Competition for quality men here is pretty high.
By the way, no I wouldn't date the 37 year old. I have a rule: anyone who's young enough to be my daughter I just won't give a second look to and I'm having a difficult time reconciling dating a 45 year old at my age.