In a recent episode of Kristin Davis’ podcast “Are You a Charlotte?”, supermodel Christie Brinkley, 71, shared a shocking revelation about her dating life experiments alongside her daughter, Sailor Brinkley Cook, 27. The conversation began when Brinkley explained that Sailor mischievously set up a profile for her on a dating app, intending to explore the types of men her mother would attract. “I’m not on any kind of dating app like that, but my daughter… put me up on a dating app for, like, an hour,” Brinkley said. The outcome was unexpected: Sailor discovered that the same men who expressed interest in her were also drawn to her mother.
Brinkley found this overlap revealing, noting that Sailor’s experiment suggested a deeper commentary on dating dynamics between different age groups. During the podcast, Brinkley and Davis reflected on societal trends regarding dating preferences, especially among older men who often seek younger partners. The discussion emphasized the disparity between women and men of similar ages, with Davis commenting on the phenomenon of well-preserved women not garnering the same interest from older men. Brinkley theorized that many men prefer younger partners who express admiration for their achievements, suggesting that men may feel more confident dating someone who will be impressed by their lifestyle.
The mother-daughter duo also tackled the topic of ageism in the dating scene during their conversation by drawing parallels with dynamics portrayed in the show “Sex and the City.” In this context, they discussed a narrative involving Samantha Jones, the character played by Kim Cattrall, who dates an older man. Brinkley’s insights hinted at societal expectations placed on women regarding their attractiveness and desirability as they age, which seems at odds with the preferences showcased by men. Davis praised both Brinkley and Sailor’s collaborative experiment, viewing it as a thought-provoking social commentary on contemporary dating norms.
Brinkley’s reflections extended beyond dating trends to her personal life, including her tumultuous marriage to Sailor’s father, Peter Cook. Married in 1996, the couple faced significant challenges, eventually leading to their divorce in 2008. In her memoir, “Uptown Girl,” Brinkley candidly revisited the difficulties she faced during their marriage, describing it as “one of the most tormented experiences” of her life. This facet of her story provides a richer backstory to her outlook on relationships, revealing how past experiences may influence current thoughts on dating.
The heartbreak of discovering her husband’s infidelity with a teenage girl deeply affected Brinkley. She recounted the moment she confronted this betrayal at her daughter’s graduation ceremony, marking a pivotal turn in her life. “When your whole world falls apart and you realize… you’ve suddenly become the cliché middle-aged woman whose husband is having an affair with a much younger woman, what do you do?” she poignantly asked in her memoir, encapsulating the emotional turmoil and societal pressures surrounding such scenarios. Cook later admitted to these affairs in an interview, further complicating Brinkley’s narrative of resilience.
Today, Brinkley appears to embrace a mature perspective on dating, influenced by her experiences as a mother and her personal journey through relationships. The conversation with Davis highlighted the contrasting views on age and dating, particularly for women, while also affirming the strong bond between mother and daughter as they navigate these complex topics together. Through their discussion, Brinkley and Sailor not only shed light on their individual experiences but also offered insights into broader societal issues surrounding age, attraction, and relationship dynamics in contemporary culture.
