With the benefit of, Kristina was able to speak more generally about teenagers dating people older than themselves, telling me, “I think girls who date older guys are looking for a father, or just a missing feeling or something that they’re not getting from their parents at home. And it can be from a mom or dad, you know?”
Eighteen-year-old Marci only dated men, including one who 20 years her senior. Like Kristina, she saw the connection between her choice in men her desire for a father-figure:
I’ve always been attracted to older men. You know, a lot of people say, “Oh maybe you’re looking for your father or someone to take care of you.” I think it does have something to do with being taken care of, but I’m not looking for anyone like my father. I’m pretty sure about that one.