Relationship experts weigh in on Gigi Hadid’s rumored romance with Bradley Cooper, 48, after model, 28, was also linked to Leonardo Di Caprio
Since the moment Gigi Hadid, 28, and Bradley Cooper, 48, were first photographed leaving a surprise dinner date last week, the rumor mill has been buzzing about the potential new ‘it couple’.
And while reports suggest the supermodel and movie star are just having ‘fun’ together, eagle-eyed fans will have noticed a familiar trend in Gigi’s dating style following another alleged romance with older Hollywood hunk Leonardo DiCaprio, also 48. last year.
Her links with men 20 years her senior follow Gigi’s whirlwind six-year romance with the 30-year-old pop star and father of her three-year-old daughter Zayn Malik, which ended in 2021.
Now relationship experts have revealed to Femail what could be behind the star’s apparent preference for dating an older man – from Bradley and Leo in particular being close to their mothers, to looking for someone ready to commit.
Gigi Hadid (28) and Bradley Cooper (48) enjoyed a surprise date in New York on Thursday β months after the supermodel ended her romance with The Hangover star’s BFF Leonardo DiCaprio (48).
As rumors swirl of a new romance between Gigi and Bradley, two relationship experts weigh in on why women are attracted to older men
CLOSENESS TO FAMILY IS A GREEN FLAG
British relationship expert Annabelle Knight of Lovehoney says that Bradley and Leo being close to their families is probably a big draw for Gigi.
She explained: ‘Now in her late twenties and a mother to a three-year-old daughter, Gigi is probably looking for something a little different and someone who shares her own experiences and mindset. In short β her priorities have shifted’.
Zigi was on and off several times throughout their tumultuous relationship before finally calling it quits due to an alleged physical incident between Zayn and Gigi’s mother, Real Housewives star Yolanda Hadid.
Annabelle continued: ‘Gigi is also known to be very close to her famous family, especially her mother, Yolanda Hadid.
‘While there have been a number of reports about Zayn’s clashes with her family – which is said to have been the final nail in the coffin for their relationship – Bradley and Leo, on the other hand, are known to be very close to their mothers.
‘Both actors have often taken their mothers along as their dates to movie premieres and awards shows, which will be a huge green flag for Gigi.
‘After a bad breakup, it’s also natural to try to learn from it and avoid doing the same thing again.
‘This can mean that people will make vows such as “I will never date someone my own age again” or “next time I will date someone older and more mature” in an attempt to prevent history from repeating itself .’
Mum: Gigi and Zayn share three-year-old daughter Khai (pictured) together
BRADLEY COOPER IS ALSO A SINGLE PATH
Additionally, Gigi now had to navigate new co-parenting territory as a single mother, an experience Bradley went through with his ex, model Irina Shayk, 37 – eleven years his junior.
The ex-lovers share daughter Lea De Seine, six.
“As a mother, it’s likely that Gigi is also looking for more stable and long-term romantic relationships,” Annabelle added.
OLDER MEN MORE LIKELY TO COMMIT
Meanwhile, relationship psychologist Limor Gottlieb, from Brunel University, Londonsuggests Gigi may be ready to settle down, pointing to the theory that older men are more likely to show a ‘willingness for long-term commitment’.
She explained: ‘From an evolutionary perspective it can be easily explained. Age is a universal characteristic that affects how we choose mates. For one, older age in men is an indicator of greater maturity, availability of resources and willingness for long-term commitment.
‘Although we don’t know the exact reasons why Gigi and Zayn broke up, it could be that at this stage in her life she prefers someone who is more mature and ready to commit for the long term.
‘Biologically, women are attracted to high status and resources and older men usually tend to have stable jobs and get promotions.
‘Although Gigi has a successful career and certainly doesn’t need to be financially supported by a man, these partner preferences are deeply ingrained in us and unconsciously motivate our dating decisions.’
Former flame: Meanwhile, Gigi dated ex Zayn Malik, 30, on and off from 2015 until their split in 2021; seen in 2016
Leonardo DiCaprio was spotted near Gigi at a party in New York City last year. It was the first time they’ve been photographed together since news of their dating first broke
BUT DADDY ISSUES HAVE NOTHING TO DO WITH IT!
A popular myth is that women who date older men have ‘daddy issues’, causing them to seek love in the arms of an older lothario.
Limor shed light on this theory: ‘According to attachment theory perspective, our adult relationships can often reflect the way we were treated by our caregivers.
‘So from this perspective, insecurely attached women who seek security from their fathers may seek it from an older man.
‘However, there is no research to support this and one study using this framework found that daddy issues have nothing to do with women dating older men’.