What attracts a young man to an older woman? Psychologist explains

They say that age doesn't matter in love, but a young man dating a much older woman raises eyebrows more often than not.

Judgment often comes for the woman—she will be called a sugar mommy, a cougar, a "nagmumurang kamatis," and the like—from people who think age does matter after all.

So what makes an older woman attractive to a young man?

"Merong attraction to authority na parang this person can actually help me, help me learn," explained Dr. Rica Cruz in an episode of "Share Ko Lang" hosted by Dr. Anna Tuazon.

"They want to be with someone who's, again, more mature, more established and more stable in life and there is nothing wrong with that," she added.

According to Dr. Rica, this is not that different to young women falling for older men.

"There are women who say that, 'Okay, mas okay siya kasi okay na siya sa buhay niya. Hindi na siya naghahanap ng meaning in life.' So mas stable and mas secure," she said.

Even so, when the roles are reversed, there will be criticisms and stereotypes targeted at the woman for dating man younger than her.

"Merong stereotype na may kinalaman ang pera," Dr. Anna said. "Merong assumption and I think its a misassumption na porke older ka, nagsusustento, nagpapaaral ka ng boy toy, parang mga ganyan."

Dr. Rica said it should not be an issue if the relationship is between two consenting adults who are OK with their situation.

"Kung 'yung dalawang nasa loob ng relationship ay masaya doon sa ginagawa nila kasi hindi sila nagkakasakitan, walang exploitation, walang abuse, walang coercion, 'yung ibang sinasabi ng mga tao is just noise," she said.

Among famous couples with an older woman and a younger man is French president Emmanuel Macron and his wife Brigitte, as well as Priyanka Chopra and Nick Jonas.

—MGP, GMA News