One of the most tragic events to occur in my post-adolescent life happened earlier this year. I was absolutely devastated to read the news that Demi Moore and Ashton Kutcher, the world’s most famous Kabbalah couple, had split up amid rumors of Kutcher’s infidelity. Despite the large age gap they seemed to mesh perfectly with each other with Kutcher providing the perfect surrogate father compliment to John McClane, err Bruce Willis.

At first, it seemed so taboo- here is Kutcher, a young Hollywood star fresh off of “Punk’d” and “That 70’s Show” dating a woman, Moore, who had a career revival of sorts with her head-turning looks in “Charlie’s Angels.” They didn’t seem bothered with the tabloid fodder about the age difference, as they were perfectly content with each other’s company.

The same happens in normal people life- some men and women at a point in their dating life go out with someone who might be a bit older or younger than what they’re used to. For many, it doesn’t work, because of the generational thinking, as both could be in different periods of their life. But why does it work? Take Paul Finch for example- an old soul in a young body, who enjoys the “finer” things, as compared to his contemporary Steve Stifler, who enjoys kegstands, high school seniors, and mouthing off to his boss. It was only natural then that he longed for the companionship of Stifler’s mother, who could help him fulfill these “mature” desires.

While funny to those of us watching, the Finch-Stifler’s mom dynamic is becoming more and more common as many in the dating world shirk the “age restrictions” once strictly abided by during the days of crew cuts and James Dean. While I’m not necessarily a fan of the Hugh Hefner-whoever is his new blonde girlfriend-type relationships, there is something to be said for learning from, and/or dating someone who might be five, ten or even fifteen years your senior. Who knows, you both might bond over your love for vinyl records, or mutual interest in blasting Justin Bieber songs on a road trip.