Tracee Ellis Ross provides a bold explanation for why she chooses to date younger men.
Navigating the world of modern dating can be challenging, even for Hollywood stars.
This holds true for Black-ish actress, Ross, who has openly discussed her experiences in love and dating, and why men her own age tend not to suit her preferences – and she has a good reason.
The 52-year-old actress from California shared her insights on Michelle Obama’s ‘The Light Podcast,’ revealing her preference for younger men’s company, and it’s not due to their youthful appearances.
Speaking openly with Obama and her brother, Craig Robinson, Ross expressed that the issue lies with men her own age, whom she describes as entrenched in toxic masculinity.
Ross stated: “[A] lot of men my age are steeped in a toxic masculinity and have been raised in a culture where there is a particular way that a relationship looks.
“Anything that starts to smell of that, for me… I did enough of it where I was controlled and felt like I was a possession – or a prize. And I have no interest in it. I will not do it again.”
She stood her ground, adding: “I’m sorry. No.”
The direct response from the Emmy-nominated actress, who recently appeared in the latest season of Black Mirror, reflects her struggle to maintain independence and autonomy in previous relationships.
“I’m not going to participate in relationships where I’m expected to bend, break, or babysit,” she said, as reported by Yahoo.
She recalled how some of her past romantic involvements made her feel like a trophy, serving more as a means to boost her partner’s ego rather than as an individual.
Conversely, she noted that younger men often approach relationships without the same outdated views, emotional baggage, or entitlement, suggesting they have a more contemporary perspective on gender roles.
Ross explained how they are less likely to assume the ‘man-of-the-house’ role, noting: “There’s a flexibility and curiosity I often find with younger men. They don’t immediately expect you to shrink, to nurture, or to teach.”
The actress also addressed the societal pressures of being single and without children, discussing her experience in a society that often looks down on unmarried women without children.
Ross acknowledged: “I’ve grieved not having children. I’ve grieved not having a partner.”
Yet, she continued: “But I’m also really proud of the life I’ve created. I’m not lacking. I’m not broken.”
Obama commended Ross for her courageous and candid remarks during the podcast, emphasizing that her choices are not just about dating younger men, but about establishing personal boundaries.