Discussions about the so-called 'acceptable' age gap in relationships have exploded following a new series of Love Island.
Viewers were left divided after Gemma Owen, 19, coupled up with Davide Sanclimenti, who is eight years older, with some saying she was too young to be dating a man nearly a decade older
It sparked outrage on social media before Gemma, the daughter of former England footballer Michael Owen was then paired up with Luca Bish, a 23-year-old fishmonger.
Now a woman in her 40s who loves dating younger men has shared her insights into why she prefers it.
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Lana May, 42, says she isn't phased that some of her lovers are just a few years older than her teenage daughter, Sasha, 17.
After getting divorced at 30, the mum-of-one has spent the last 12 years dating younger men, and says they're more open to trying new things – such as using sex toys and kinky outfits.
"I feel like a Queen with these younger men," said Lana.
"They are more open-minded and are up for anything. After spending a night with them I have this glow and sparkle in my eyes.
"I call it getting my 'youth juice'."
According to the life coach, Lana says the younger man can keep up with her high sex drive, which is "through the roof" at the moment.
She often meets her young matches on dating apps but is also frequently picked up by men while out and about in California, where she lives.
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Lana said: "They make me feel great and I give off this energy, which just attracts more.
"They gravitate towards me whether that be on the apps or somewhere in person. If I have young hot guys coming my way I'm going to say f*** it and embrace it. Why wouldn't I? It keeps me young."
She added: "They are also more respectful than older men. They're not jaded and life hasn't f**ed them up as it has with men in their 40s."
And although many of her lovers are closer in age to her daughter, Lana says she doesn't care and her family supports her choices.
She said: "My daughter and her partner tease me but it's all in good faith. I've even had some of her school friends ask to take me on dates."
However, life coach Lana says she has been shamed by some friends for her unconventional outlook.
She added: "It's been a mixed bag.
"I've had recently divorced girlfriends come up to me and say thank you for giving them permission [to sleep with younger men too].
"They, like many people in society, have been conditioned into thinking this is wrong. If a man does it, nobody cares. But there's still this shame around women getting with younger men.
"But I've also had tonnes of people in my circle say 'What are you doing?' and telling me I am wasting my time.
"I'm just having fun. I'm so over feeling like I have this dark secret.
"As I said, it keeps me looking young. I'm inundated with all these young, perfect bodies so I'm going to make sure I take care of myself too to keep up.
"So it's a win-win all round."
