I had a cougar fling with a man almost half my age – now I’m in my 40s & he’s 18 years younger, people love to judge us
A WOMAN in her 40s shared the backlash she receives for her age gap relationship.
The self-described ";cougar" said things got serious after what was initially supposed to just be a "fling" with a younger man.
In her viral , TikTok user Shona () gave her followers a glimpse into her relationship with a man almost half her age.
She joked that she had already left school before her boyfriend was even born.
The TikToker, who is aged in her 40s, had set out to have a "weekend fling" with a younger man.
Shona met her now boyfriend, who is 18 years younger than her, and felt an instant connection.
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Despite judgement from the people in their lives, the pair began seriously dating and even post about their age gap relationship online.
They have now been dating for over two years, after meeting in 2022.
Shona has received comments from strangers online who tell her to date someone her own age.
She clapped back at her haters, telling them to "shut up" about her relationship.
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The TikToker went on to describe her partner as "the least expected person" to give her everything she's ever wanted.
She advised other women in their 40s not to "settle" for someone their own age.
Shona pointed out that "someone's son in his 20s" has been treating her "like a queen" since they met.
She explained that the gap in their ages doesn't bother her boyfriend, and that's all that matters.
"Remember, it doesn't matter what anyone else thinks, just do what makes you happy," she told her audience.
However, she clarified that she would not have pursued a younger man if she had children.
TikTok users shared their thoughts on the relationship in the comments section.
A-list age gap relationships that have stood the test of time
- Kris Jenner & Corey Gamble - 25 years
The Kardashian matriarch, 69, met her younger man, 44, at a mutual friend's 40th birthday party in Ibiza. They've been together since August 2014. - Sam & Aaron Taylor-Johnson - 23 years
The director, 57, and actor, 34, reportedly met at a film audition in 2009, and were married by 2012. The pair share two daughters and Sam has two children from a previous marriage. - Rosie-Huntington-Whiteley & Jason Statham - 20 years
The model, 37, started dating actor Jason, 57, in 2010. They were wed in 2016 and have since welcomed a son and a daughter together. - Catherine Zeta-Jones & Michael Douglas - 25 years
Catherine, 55, was introduced to Michael, 80, a film festival in 1996 and engaged three years later. Shortly after their engagement, the couple welcomed a son and married in 2000.
"That's not a man, that's a boy," pointed out one viewer.
"Eewwww nooooo! I’m in my 40’s and I have a son in his 20’s! I’d never!" said another follower.
"You just being one of the nights a week!" commented a third person.
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Another TikTok user speculated on Shona's boyfriend's real motivations.
"Treats them like a queen as long as she pays, sugar mama," they wrote.
