Tracee Ellis Ross Explains Why She Prefers Younger Partners
You probably shouldn’t need me to spell this out, but Tracee Ellis Ross has officially revealed why she gravitates toward younger men—and trust me, it’s more than just a May–December fling headline. During the April 16 episode of the IMO podcast hosted by Michelle Obama and Craig Robinson, the Emmy-nominated Black-ish star, now 52, broke down her dating pattern with refreshing candor. Ross pointed out that most men her own age often arrive steeped in outdated toxic masculinity, shaped by “a culture where there is a particular way that a relationship looks.” She recalled feeling like “a possession or a prize” in past relationships and declared she simply “has no interest” in revisiting that dynamic, as she emphasized on Michelle Obama’s YouTube channel (source: IMO Podcast, YouTube). Citing a surprising level of openness from younger suitors, Ross confessed, “I have long been past the age where I feel like it’s my job to teach somebody or grow them up,” a line that resonated widely across People Magazine’s exclusive coverage (source: People).
Not one to sugarcoat her personal journey, Ross admitted that she still sometimes mourns the childhood dreams of marriage and motherhood. “I grieve the things that I thought would be and that are not,” she shared, acknowledging moments of sorrow over being unmarried and childless at 52. However, she made it crystal clear that she won’t settle for “the wrong partner” just to fill a void. “You have to make my life better,” Ross stated firmly, dispelling any notion that she dates for the mere sake of pairing off. She explained that her focus now is on living life to the fullest—“not sit around waiting”—and applying the same courage and self-reliance that have carried her through solo adventures and high-profile career triumphs.
If you were hoping for scandalous gossip, Ross instead delivered empowering relationship insights fused with a healthy dose of self-respect. She reminded listeners that personal growth and enjoyment shouldn’t be postponed for love that doesn’t elevate you. And while she still indulges in moments of grief over childhood aspirations, she concludes every morning determined to be “where I’m supposed to be,” a mindset anyone could use a reminder of. There, all cleared up—you’re welcome.
Sources: Celebrity Storm and People Magazine, IMO Podcast (Michelle Obama & Craig Robinson YouTube)
Attribution: Creative Commons Licensed
