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Tracee Ellis Ross, the talented actress known for her roles in various film and television projects, including the hit series 'Black-ish,' recently opened up about her dating preferences during an episode of the 'IMO' podcast. This podcast, which is hosted by none other than former First Lady Michelle Obama and her brother, Craig Robinson, provided an insightful platform for Ross to share her thoughts on modern relationships.

At the age of 52, Ross revealed that she has a distinct preference for dating younger men, highlighting their relative freedom from the rigid constraints of traditional gender roles. She candidly stated, "Why does this keep coming up, other than they're hot and gorgeous? There's that." However, she went on to elaborate on her reasoning, indicating a deeper societal context. Ross expressed her concerns about men her age who are often entrenched in toxic masculinity and have been shaped by cultural norms that dictate a certain archetype of relationships.

Ross articulated her disdain for what she described as a possessive dynamic, recalling her experiences where she felt controlled and objectified. "I did enough of it where I was controlled and felt like I was a possession or a prizeI just have no interest in it. And I will not do it again," she emphasized, making it clear that she is no longer willing to accept such dynamics in her life.

While acknowledging that her views might come off as a generalization, she firmly believes that there is a notable difference in the openness displayed by younger men compared to their older counterparts. She noted, "There is an openness that occurs with a younger man around, whether it's gender fluidity or not even having an issue with homosexualitysomething as basic as that." This willingness to embrace progressive ideas about gender and sexuality appears to be a key factor in her dating choices.

Moreover, Ross announced that she has reached a point in her life where she no longer feels compelled to play the role of a mentor or guide in a relationship. "I have long been past the age where I feel like it's my job to teach somebody or grow them up," Ross declared. "That, I'm not interested in." This statement underscores her desire for a partnership rooted in equality and mutual respect, rather than one where she feels responsible for her partner's personal growth.

Ross is not alone in her dating preferences, as several other high-profile women have also expressed similar sentiments regarding relationships with younger men. Cher, a legendary pop icon, previously shared that she favors dating younger men because those within her age bracket often seem intimidated to approach her. Notably, Cher has a striking 40-year age gap with her current boyfriend, Alexander Edwards, and they publicly acknowledged their relationship in November 2022.

Additionally, several other celebrities exemplify this trend of age-gap relationships. Kris Jenner, at 69, has been in a committed relationship with Corey Gamble, who is 44, for nearly a decade. Heidi Klum, a renowned supermodel, enjoys a 16-year age difference with her husband, Tom Kaulitz, a guitarist for the band Tokio Hotel. Another notable couple is Sam and Aaron Taylor-Johnson, whose marriage since 2012 has been characterized by a 23-year age gap.

Furthermore, in a recent episode of 'The View,' co-host Joy Behar pointed out that it could be scientifically smart for women to consider dating younger men, as they often have similar life expectancies. This perspective adds a layer of practicality to the conversation surrounding age-gap relationships.

A representative for Tracee Ellis Ross confirmed to Business Insider that the actress had no further comments to add on the matter, leaving her thoughts on the topic open to interpretation and discussion.