to avoid looking like anna nicole smith?

Good question. Age is overrated.

Maybe not societal "pressure", but a majority of people certainly think it is abnormal to date outside of your immediate age group. Maybe it's just a reaction to a societal norm.

Back in 1993 when I 26 I dated a 33-year old and a 20-year old in the same summer. The 20-year old was mature, grounded, intelligent, etc. The 33-year old was an immature, jealous basketcase. Physical age and emotional age usually do not match.

Age ain't nuthin' but a number, Shorty. But you knew that - didn't ya?

Just remember: you're only as old as s/he FEELS.

It's not about age as much as it's about where they are in their life compared to you. It happens to mostly correspond with age, so that's what we use as a measuring stick.