I keep seeing different opinions on this so I wanted to get some real firsthand experiences. The cougar-cub dynamic has become way more mainstream and accepted over the last decade.
Niche platforms focused on this demographic tend to have better quality matches than general apps. Reverse image search is your best friend for vetting profile photos quickly.
Use a Google Voice number instead of your real number when you're still getting to know someone.
A few things worth keeping in mind:
- Separate browser profiles and email addresses for dating activity are basic hygiene at this point.
- Trust your gut completely. If something feels off before a meet, cancel without guilt.
- Payment requests from matches should always be treated as a scam regardless of the story behind them.
- Most scams follow predictable patterns — quick emotional escalation and requests for money or gift cards.