What boy wouldn't be happy being referred to as a toyboy?

Let's face it, he's sleeping with an older woman who probably knows exactly what she's doing, and if he's lucky, he'll learn a thing or two while he's playing.

The older woman, however, gets the short end of the stick with the unfortunate name of "the cougar''.

Yikes! I heard a guy define "the cougar'' as "an alley cat of a woman who likes to tear young boys apart, but she's gotta be hot''. Well, what a relief .

At least if you're referred to as a "cougar,'' you can relax in the knowledge that you're still hot even if you are an alley cat.

There have been numerous newspaper articles recently on the problem that women in their 30s are having in finding an age-appropriate male companion.

Apparently, there is a male shortage in Sydney for that age group, so if you're a single woman in your 30s, it's possibly difficult to meet someone.

However, there is apparently an abundance of single men in their 20s, so for some women the idea of a toyboy is very appealing.

So how young is too young?

Some of my single girlfriends think the golden rule is five years below 10 years above, but why are we so much more lenient with the age of the older guy?

Sure, maturity is an issue, but there are plenty of very mature younger guys out there who know what they want in life.

You've just got to know how to pick them, and then, of course, you need to know what you want.

If you are looking for a serious relationship that might lead to marriage and children, then maybe someone more than five years younger than you isn't the place to look.

He's very unlikely to be on the same page as you and be anywhere near ready for that kind of relationship.

But if you're only after some fun or a regular ``special friend,'' then the younger the better!

That said, there are plenty of relationships out there where the woman is much older than the man and it works wonders, just look at Demi and Ashton!

When it all comes down to it, what's in an age anyway?

If you both like each other and you are compatible and have great fun together, surely age has no relevance on anything. It's not an issue unless you make it one.

So, to all the toyboys and cougars out there enjoy.

JD