So, the Question of the Day: How to Be a Cougar?

"Rawr" - majestic, fierce, agile, stealthy, beautiful. No, we aren't describing the predators of the wild! We're describing a woman who enjoys dating younger men. They're sexy, independent, hot, and know exactly what they have to offer. Mariah Carey, Demi Moore, Sandra Bullock, Madonna - they all fall on the "cougar" list. But cougar dating is more than just sexing up your look and jumping into bed with a younger man. So here are some tips to help you to cougar-it-up and rock it on couples and cougar dating sites or out on the scene:

Tip #1: Forget everything you know about being a cougar

Flashy animal print leggings and clothes that are 20 years too young? Only interested in sex? A woman on the prowl? Forget everything you "know" or "think you know" about being a cougar and cougar dating. Sure, if you love animal print or are purely interested in sex, that's okay. But being a cougar is about more than a stereotypical definition. It's about being unapologetically yourself. So if you prefer a more mature dress or are looking for a more serious couples-dating-relationship, that's okay too. Just do you.

Tip #2: Strut your stuff

There is nothing in this world that is more attractive to a man than a confident woman. And ladies, we've got this going for us! One of the best things about being an older woman is that we know exactly who we are, and we're proud of it! A woman's confidence starts to peak in her 30's and continues to grow from there. So strut your stuff, know what you want, and settle for nothing less!

Tip #3: Dress to impress

The way you dress tells a lot about your personality. As a cougar, you can dress however you want, as long as you pay attention to the details - yes, ladies - we're talking about the underwear. Wire-free bras and granny panties? Get rid of them! As a cougar, you need to be ready to pounce at all times, and that means push-up bras, thongs, and sexy lingerie.

Tip #4: Stop acting like a mom

As an older woman, it's probably your first instinct to act like a mom - especially if you're dating or couples with a 20-year-old man who has a tendency to act like a child at times. But resist the temptation to be too "motherlike." Don't offer unsolicited advice to stop drinking or start studying more - the younger generation won't warmly welcome it. If you're going to be dating or couples with a younger man, treat him like a man - even if he doesn't act it all the time.

Tip #5: Lower your expectations

As older women, we've been around the block, and we know what we want. But let's be realistic - you're probably not going to find that in a much younger man. Maturity, confidence, independence, success - these are all things that come with age. If you're coupled with a 20-year-old, there's a very high likelihood that these things are not in his vocabulary yet. So be realistic about your expectations. Don't expect a young man to be a father figure to your 15-year-old daughter - it's simply not going to happen.

Tip #6: Know where to look for younger men

The best place to go to look for younger men who are interested in dating is to a bar or club. There are all types of younger men there, all looking for a good time. But for the cougar who doesn't feel comfortable at a bar or club, try cougar dating sites. Cougar sites are designed specifically for younger men looking for older women who want to be couples - so you can't go wrong!

Tip #7: Get in shape

As we get older, we can sometimes forget to put in a workout or two. But today's younger generation is all about fitness and health. So if you want to be a couple with a younger man, you're going to have to put in the effort. Start hitting the gym a few times a week and work on key areas like your stomach and your butt. You don't have to look like a runway model, but showing that you're into your fitness is a hugely sexy quality to be desired by any younger man that you are interested in dating.

Don't have time to hit the gym? Here are a few quick exercises you can do throughout the day to tone up:

• Squats
• Leg raises
• Crunches
• Sit-ups
• Lunges
• Planks

And don't forget to stretch - flexibility is super sexy - especially in the bedroom!

Tip #8: Rock it in the bedroom

Why are confident women so sexy? Well, for lots of reasons - but to a younger man, confidence means "good in bed." This is one of the things that most attracts younger men to cougar couples. Older women know what they like and know how to please a man. So don't be afraid to show off your skills and teach the younger man you're dating a thing or two!

Tip #9: But do it responsibly

Whether we are 20, 40, 60, or 80, as women, we all have the responsibility to keep ourselves and others safe. Regardless of whether you are looking for a long-term relationship or simply looking for a great one-night-stand, it's important that we protect ourselves. Always be sure to carry extra condoms with you in case your younger partner doesn't have them on hand.

And remember, most importantly, if you're interested in younger man/older woman couples, just be yourself! Men are attracted to women that exude confidence - that's why cougars are such an attraction in the first place! So wear what you want to wear, dance how you want to dance, and get down how you want to get down!