Marrying a Man Who Could be Your Grandfather. Really?

We've seen some high profile relationships involving a 70 or 80 year old man with a 20-something year old woman. Funny enough this seems fodder for reality television with E!s Girls Next Door which starred the 80 something Hugh Hefner, 85, with his 20 something girlfriends. Then there was Anna Nicole Smith who married an 89 year old billionaire, she also had a reality TV show on E!.

If you've read this blog before, you'll know that I'm a fan of Bravo and the Real Housewives. I just learned that Sonja from the New York season was married to an 80 year old man and was shocked that there was such a drastic difference in their age. Hearing her speak of her husband I never expected him to be a man that could have been her grandfather and I think I lost a little of my love and respect for her.

I don't get it. I feel within 10 years difference is the best since it would seem people from the same decade would have the most in common and could relate to each other's lifestyle, pop culture, music, etc. I get why many girls go for guys that are 20 years their senior because they are looking for security and being taken care of. It's the father syndrome, I think particularly for girls who grew up without a father figure and are desperately looking to fill that void. 

But when the gap starts reaching 30 years or more, I find it hard to understand how there is any mutual ground. How there is anything in common to talk about and how there could possibly be any physical attraction. It seems the two big reasons that are the glue for these relationships are money and fame for the woman and the trophy wife for the man.

There's a recent Hollywood marriage between a 51 year old actor and a 16 year old wanna-be-actress. I find it disturbing that her parents would allow this to take place. The groom is older then the bride's father and this man could be her grandfather. She seems to come from a dysfunctional family because any parent that would allow their 16 year to get married is bad enough but allowing their 16 year old to marry a 51 year old man is unfathomable to me. How they could sign papers to give their blessing to a marriage rather then going straight to the police station to file a restraining order and file charges against him. I believe she is too young and naive to really get it and fully understand her feelings. For him, however, I can only think pedophile. 

As they say, most famously the Beatles, live and let live. So who am I to judge as long as the parties involved are happy. But at the same time, really? Really I don't get it.

Jan