Dating Guys in Their 20s and 30s

Your mid-30s are like a golden age for dating. You still have plenty of age-appropriate single people to choose from. No one bats an eye if you hook up with a 45-year-old. Yet, that 26-year-old with the tight abs still thinks you're hot. So rather than mourn the fact that you're still unattached at 35, recognize what a beautiful opportunity this is to get the best of both worlds.

Of course, there's a huge difference between dating people in their 20s vs. their 30s, and men aren't the only ones guilty of tangling with younger mates for recreational reasons. Based on my own experience and on polls of my 30-something single friends, I've pieced together an in-depth analysis of the pros and cons of 20-somethings and 30-somethings. Consider yourself warned.

20-somethings start their night out at 11.
30-somethings are too tired for happy hour on Fridays.

20-something dudes have amazing bodies.
30-something guys will make you feel better about your own body.

20-something guys leave the toilet seat up.
30-somethings will make your bed when they leave.

20-somethings have roommates and want to go back to your place.
30-somethings have an extra (unused) toothbrush you can use.

30-something dates include dinner.
20-something guys want to stop for burritos on the way home from the bar.

The gift of ur late 20s is realizing that the guys in their 30s you dated in your early 20s did NOT like you for being cool and/or talented

— Molly McAleer (@molls) September 12, 2013

20-something guys don't understand the concept of a top sheet.
30-something guys have 1,500-thread-count Egyptian cotton bed sheets.

20-somethings will make out in the cab.
30-somethings will pay for the cab.

20-something guys have a lot of sexual stamina.
30-somethings have more sexual confidence.

20-somethings get carded and forget their IDs.
30-somethings order wine with dinner without looking at the menu.

20-somethings might have some leftover pizza and ranch dressing in the fridge.
30-somethings shop at Whole Foods.

20-somethings want to get to McDonald's before they stop serving breakfast.
30-somethings want to go to brunch.

20-something guys burn . . . repeatedly.
30-somethings wear sunblock.

20-somethings eat hot wings.
30-somethings need Pepcid.

20-somethings buy pillows at Ikea.
30-somethings get really excited about their new Tempur-Pedic pillows.

20-somethings plan trips to Vegas.
30-somethings plan international vacations.

20-somethings don't know what a french press is.
30-somethings own a french press.

20-somethings have humorous email addresses.
30-somethings, like, use their names.