one of the weirdest things to me about Straight Culture™ is that in fictional m/f couples, the woman always HAS to be younger than the man. not always by a significant amount. just 1-3 years or so. i’ve never quite understood why that’s a Thing
Gender roles! Misogyny! And the fetishization of youth/infantilization of women in relation to men. A younger woman solidifies the guy’s place as the Leader and Protector who Probably Knows Best.