Could You Fall For A Man 25 Years Younger?

If you’ve been following international news, you undoubtedly know that the president-elect of France is 39 and his wife is 64.

Emmanuel and Brigitte Macron met when he was 15, and she was his literature and drama teacher at a private school. Emmanuel’s parents, a physician and a professor of neurology, were not happy as their son’s relationship intensified, and so they sent him to another school for his senior year, hoping the ‘friendship’ would dissipate. It obviously did not. Brigitte and Emmanuel married in 2007.

“He often refers to his wife as his intellectual soul mate and confidante,” related an article in The Telegraph, a UK newspaper. “Mr. Macron says he will govern more effectively if he is happy — and that means having Brigitte at his side.” Apparently, Brigitte “mentored, coached and advised him during the campaign,” the article explained.

Brigitte’s main interest is expected to be education, and working for disadvantaged and autistic children, and Emmanuel reportedly promised her a staff, a budget and responsibilities–but no salary.

Not only is she smart; she’s sexy looking, stimulating and socially conscious. That’s quite a package! While I personally couldn’t see myself with a man so much younger than I (mainly because I don’t think my body could possibly appeal to him, I confess, a bit embarrassed), why can’t an “unorthodox” relationship like this work for someone else?

The French media has complimented Brigitte for her “cool attitude” and “wonder woman” look. The Telegraph article said.  And Emmanuel describes himself as “a convert to feminism,” pledging to defend equal pay and maternity leave. It seems to me that Brigitte’s had quite an impact on him. She’s credited, for instance, with influencing her husband’s views on women in politics. As for his impact on her, she praises his intellect and personality.

Many of the comments on articles about the couple are nasty (surprise, surprise!):

“Presumably he gets sent to bed early without supper if he’s been a very naughty boy,” said one.

“Must have a granny fixation,” read another.

“Put her in charge of foreign policy. With that face, she’ll scare off all the terrorists!” said another ‘master mind.’

I wonder what prompts anyone to react like this. My guess is that Brigitte is a whole lot smarter, certainly classier, than any of these commenters.

And, she’s going to be in a position to do a world of good for a great many people, which counts a whole lot more than the age difference between her and the President. If I was a French citizen, I’d be pleased to know that she’s probably going to weigh in on some significant decisions that could affect me, my family and my country.

Clearly, the couple’s age difference didn’t negatively impact the election results. Emmanuel won by a wide margin: 66 percent to 34 percent.

Days before the French election, “nearly all women interviewed said they were more interested in Emmanuel Macron, who was a virtual unknown until recently, because his marriage breaks the mould. French politics has long been dominated by men with younger lovers,” reported the Independent, another UK newspaper. François Hollande, the country’s current president, separated from his partner following a public affair with an actress 18 years his junior. François Mitterrand, former president, had a mistress half his age when he was in his 40s. As a matter of fact, his mistress stood near his wife at his funeral in 1996.

How do you feel about the age difference between Brigitte and Emmanuel? Please tell us in the comments section below.