by Stephanie G.

Is the older woman/younger man dynamic destined for failure?

The Eva Longoria/Tony Parker split has taken over the tabloids, yet again begging the question– do Cougars and Cubs stand a chance, or, in the eternal words of Cher Horowitz, are these relationships just “full-on Monet”s? (It’s like a painting, see? From far away, it’s OK, but up close, it’s a big old mess.)

I’ve long had an unfavorable view of Cougars, and frankly, any loving relationship dehumanized by slapping an animal kingdom moniker on it. And at long last, I’ve found someone (an expert) who agrees with me. Relationship guru Ish Major, MD, believes relationships erected using the Cougar model are set for failure. Here are five reasons that play a role both in the jungle and on the dating scene:

Habitat Destruction – “Cougars eventually tire of being ‘mommy’ and set their cubs free.”

Introduction to Exotic Species – “As cubs grow older, younger females look more and more attractive.”

Reproduction – “Even males eventually feel their own biological clocks ticking and want to procreate.”

Survival of the Fittest – “As cubs mature, their cougars become a little ‘too’ mature.”

Over Exploitation – “Cubs resent being ‘cared for’ and want to make their own way.”

Ish Major, MD Major was recently named to the 2010 list of America’s Top Psychiatrists. He attended graduate school and medical school at the University of South Carolina. Dr. Major completed his psychiatric residency and child/adolescent fellowship with the Palmetto Health Alliance and is an attending psychiatrist at a private in-patient hospital facility in Greenville, SC.

Stephanie is a NYC lifer who enjoys new-age dating, sharp-dressed men, and occasionally acting as big spoon. Follow her on Twitter!