Well, you know how I feel about the word Cougar — don’t like it. Wrote about it many times on FWW.

But the word and the lifestage it defines are so pervasive now that Saturday Night Live is doing ongoing Cougar skits. They did one again this past Saturday with Cameron Diaz.

We cannot deny that older women are now back on the market in large numbers as a direct result of divorce, and that younger men are a viable romantic option like never before.

I think it’s a good thing that women are busting up the old double standard — and yes, I admit it provides lots of comedy — BUT, Saturday Night Live inspired me to address the stereotype directly to the show. So here goes.

My Dear SNL writers,

The Cougar Den & Cameron Diaz are hysterical.

You have inspired me to do kegels as I write this.

In fact, I am even thinking of turning my spare room into a cougar den thanks to you all.

I just wanted to point out that while you're dreaming up new cougar episodes, you might want to consider that cougars (even though I hate that word) come in all shapes, sizes, and colors. They don't all look like Cameron Diaz.

You might want to broaden your cougar casting options.

The bimbo thing is something you might want to look into, too.

Cougars, because they are older — as you so clearly “coif” them — lean more toward being professional and experienced. Most are not floozies (even though some neighbors might disagree). We're talkin’ educated, been-there-done-that women exploring new options.

What the hell, the dating pool is much shallower later in life and filled with many older men who are leaking testosterone in search of arm candy to validate their masculinity.

Cougars, on the other hand, are very sure of themselves and know that younger men find them fascinating…as they should.

Divorced women are now millions strong — by circumstance or by choice — and rebuilding their lives in search of another happily ever after.

They don't fight other women for prey. For the last nail appointment — maybe.

They in fact delight in another woman's glow should she find pleasure along her journey with a younger man. They validate each other’s choices if they see it brings a smile.

Older women are breaking old taboos and allowing themselves to enjoy men who are younger, just like men have been doing with women forever. Many of these lucky younger men place more phone calls than they receive back. Check the phone bills.

Oh, one more thing. Not all the cougar-loving guys are pathetic idiots. Many are formidable younger guys who hold up their end of the stick.

This cougar trend is one that’s bound to pick up speed. Just tipping you off that you probably have more cougar episodes coming up than you originally planned.

In closing, congratulations to all of you for always being so savvy in your comedic observations. If you ever need more fodder for the cougar (I hate that word) episodes, just remember I have access to the 30 million divorced women in this country through Firstwivesworld.com. Yes, I know, that’s a load of spandex.

OK, gotta run…I have to go pick up my boyfriend at his dorm.

(Only kidding – he lives at his mother’s house.)

Best!
Debbie Nigro
Founding Partner/Chief Executive Girlfriend
First Wives World