How important is age in a relationship? If a woman is independent, successful and financially settled is it wrong for her to date a younger man? The only thing that should matter is the mutual understanding between the two..

HOLLYWOOD CELEBRITY couples like Demi Moore and Ashton Kutcher; Susan Sarandon and Tim Robbins; Madonna and Guy Ritchie, and our very own Bollywood couple, Ashwariya Rai and Abhisekh Bachchan — what is so common between all of them?

Yes, the gentlemen are all married to older women. The age difference in some could be greater than the others, but the fact still remains that women are now opting for men, who are much younger to them.

The trend had been set much earlier, but the number is growing further now.

Usually, it was noted that women, who have reached their mid- thirties and early forties prefer younger men. The reasons could be numerous.

Like Anita prefers a man who can look after her kids, when she leaves for work. Thus proving that women are also on a look out for a less career-oriented man.

Again with the advance in medical research, women can now look beautiful at any age. Thus, burying the fear that wrinkles could take away all the fun.

Women, who have had a divorce could be back looking for fun, leaving behind the fear of being left alone.

But now the trend is catching up among young women too. Many of my friends, in their mid-twenties, who have moved into a more stable job, prefer dating younger men.

What could be the reason for this change of taste?

Possibly women in the metros (cities) are more career orientated. They are aware of what they need and how to get it. Besides, older men look towards settling down in the early phase of the relationship itself, thus building boundaries around the lady already. The poor girl is left with no choice but either to marry him or simply walk out.

"Women are more financially independent today. They like to earn and be able to satisfy their own demands," said Shruti, fashion designer.

Another thing is that women want to be more in control of theirlife rather then be ruled. Many women, who are successful in their careers have a place of their own and are the sole bread earners of their family. They are ready to carry the load on their shoulders.

Not just that, even younger men find older women more interesting, experimental, fun to talk to, financially settled and more adept sexually. Dinesh, who has been dating an older women for the past two years, says that unlike girls of his own age older women are more mature and don’t crib.

The above named persons prove that both cases of relationship can work. The matter of age is not to be taken highly. What really matters is the fact that the understanding level between the two individuals should meet. There should be a sense of respect for each other even if he is younger to you. The issue of age difference should never be allowed to dominate any decision or affection between the two.