Real Cougar Dating With a 2009 Twist

Welcome to dating in 2009!

Neenah Pickett, a 42-year-old woman has a novel approach to finding a husband.  Not in favor or singles bars or awkward blind dates she is doing it her way.   

She has launched an interactive website 52Weeks2FindHim.com, her way of finding Mr. Right. The bubbly New Jersey woman says she’s been immersed in the dating scene for nearly 20 years.  She admits to dating more than 100 men and  hasn’t found the one to win her heart.  The site, she hopes, will change all that.

"You can’t keep doing the same thing and expecting different results," she says. "I was just sitting there, thinking things would happen."

Pickett said she dreamed up the site two years ago while working with a social-networking company. 52Weeks2FindHim.com features a daily blog, videos of Pickett describing herself, poll questions, dating tips, testimonials from her closest friends — and a way for men to submit a profile of themselves for consideration. 

So what do you think?  Could this trend catch on?

The Real Cougar Woman And The Commitment Thing

Beth our "cougar corespondent" writes:

 

I know many of us Real Cougars have already done the commitment thing.  We got married, had a few kids and through all the joys and the heartaches discovered a whole lot about who we are. 

 

After my 18 year marriage ended, I knew that I never wanted to get married or have any more kids.  But, when I met a wonderful new guy I wondered if I was being fair to him.  Maybe we wanted more than I could offer him.  Not everyone wants what I want.  So, from the get go I was completely up front.

 

My guy knows marriage and kids are not for me and it seems to be okay with him because we've been together for two amazing years.  Now, don’t get me wrong, Ricky is 27  and if marriage and kids is what he wants that's what he should have.  I can't even imagine what life would be like without my wonderful son.  But, I didn’t make false promises to seal a relationship deal and never would. That feels good because it leaves me guilt free. 

 

Today, I must admit I have had a slight change of heart about never again getting married, but I’m being honest with him about that too.  I really like having him in my my life, he adds so much. We all need and want love.  I was lucky to have found a man who wanted the same things as I did.  And there are plenty of those guys out there.  I was just true to myself and found the man who fit me perfectly! 

Cougars - NYC

This is hot off today's Page Six in The New York Post. There's another reality show in development. This one is called Cougars - NYC. Apparently, this latest titillating production will feature five cougars living and loving in New York City. The focus is on 40 plus single gals who prefer to date guys at least ten years their junior.

So far the producers have picked three of the five ladies for the show. One of the gals is Dawn Ellison who is a member of our Real Cougar Club. So congratulations to you Dawn.

There are two more available slots so if you are interested in becoming one of the cougars you are invited to go to the casting call. It's a singles mixer at Libation on Ludlow Street in NYC on August 20th.

Here's what executive producer Elizabeth Mwanga has to say about cougars. "Basically, it's meant to symbolize empowerment." Now that's fine, but then she goes on to say "this isn't just horny older women chasing younger guys it's women who are beautiful, successful and hot, who can get these younger guys because they are hot."

Come on Elizabeth, if you want to empower women please don't refer to them as horny and hot. Please start using words like, strong, confident, independent, sexy and proud to be over 40. That's what we want to hear. It might even entice The Real Cougar Woman to watch the show.

                                            Update 8/7/08

After writing this post I did speak to Elizabeth and she assures me that the show will be promoting all the fabulous qualities of The Real Cougar Woman.  She agrees with me that women over 40 deserve to be represented in a very positive way.    

If you are a woman living in NYC who is in her 50's or 60's and is dating a younger man, in a relationshipship with a younger man or married to a younger man you could be one of the 5 cougars featured on the show. This cougar has to be smart, successful, confident, pretty and  personable.

To find out more information send me an email with a photo telling me why you should be considered for the show.  linda@therealcougarwoman.com.  

Thanks.

Niche Dating Increases Your Odds For Success

If you want to increase your odds in the world of online dating, maybe you should take a look at niche dating sites.  According to Hitwise, an analysis company, there are now 1,378 United States dating sites — up from 876 just three years ago.  They estimate 44 percent of these targeted sites.

What these niche sites do is match you up with someone who has the same interest that you do.  So, let's say your passion is golf you will go to a site that attracts other avid golfers.  That would immediately increase your odds for success.

I have two friends who met their now significant others on JDate.  This site specializes in men and women who are Jewish.  One of my friends is 35 the other is 60, so it seems to cater to a broad range of ages.

If you want to read more about this up and coming dating trend click here.  Courtney Sullivan wrote a column about it in Sunday's New York Times.  Go take a look because it will give you lots of resources plus you'll get personal stories from the people Courtney interviewed. 

Happy Hunting!