Tracee Ellis Ross says she only dates younger men because men her age are "steeped" in toxic masculinity

Tracee Ellis Ross recently appeared on the IMO with Michelle Obama and Craig Robinson podcast.

The Girlfriends actress opened up about her dating life, the experience of singlehood, and more. During a conversation with the former US First Lady and her brother, Ross also reflected on her choice of avoiding getting into a relationship with men her age. Tracee said,

“Because I want a partner and so often, and it's not just that I'm older, I'm also very embodied. I am a full, very whole person who knows myself, who is in charge of my life, and who lives a very full, just robust life. So, it's not just age; it's like life experience and sort of a difference.”

Tracee Ellis Ross added that many men of her age group are “steeped in a toxic masculinity. She explained,

“I had to ask myself the question why does this keep sort of coming up [Ross dating younger men] other than they're hot and gorgeous [...] But a lot of men my age are steeped in a toxic masculinity and have been raised in a culture where there is a particular way that a relationship looks.”

Tracee Ellis Ross feels there’s an openness that occurs while dating a younger man

The Black-ish actress reflected on having an experience of being “controlled” in a past relationship. She revealed how it made her feel like a possession or a prize. Ross said that she has no interest in such relationships,

“I did enough of it, where I was controlled and felt like I was a possession or I… Whatever those things were, a prize or and I just… I have no interest in it and I will not do it again.”

Tracee Ellis Ross denied that dating younger men over people of her age is a “generational thing” and claimed that it is a generalization. She mentioned dating men of her age and proclaimed that it differed from her relationships with a younger person.

Ross explained how dating younger men brings an “openness” in the relationship about subjects like “gender fluidity” and “homos**uality.” In contrast, she revealed this was not the case in the past.

After discussing avoiding getting into a relationship with men of her age, the 52-year-old actress asserted that she has developed a dating philosophy.

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“There's so many different philosophies on dating, and I have come up with mine. I have come up with what works for me and what makes sense for me and what feels safe for me.”

Tracee Ellis Ross told the hosts that, unlike many of her friends, she is not on any dating apps. She responded affirmatively when Craig Robinson asked her about preferring to meet people in person. Tracee also stated that either someone sets her up on a date, or she meets people at different events.

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