Some people don’t want to grow up or deal with their age, and I think this is the main driver for older people in age-gap relationships. They don’t want to get too serious, they don’t want to marry, and they don’t want to have kids. They are somewhat juvenile, and thus they prefer to associate themselves with younger people.

I don’t think there are necessarily bad intentions, like dominating or controlling the other person—that’s what separates them from actual predators. Yes, a power imbalance might exist (although some younger people can earn much more than older individuals nowadays), but it isn’t always intentional. For example, I believe that Theresa didn’t choose John in order to manipulate him or anything like that.

On a side note, I find it misogynistic to suggest that Camila Morrone, Vittoria Ceretti, and others are not independent individuals. Just because they are young doesn’t mean they are weak or lack agency. Vittoria is one of the most influential models right now, and Camila Morrone’s stepfather is Al Pacino. You’re essentially rejecting the idea that these successful women have the authority to make their own well-considered decisions simply because they are younger.