[Penelope]

While I am not (yet) 40, I have *always* crushed on older butches/TGs/FtMs. Aside from one foray in to dating a younger butch (a cute "baby dyke"!), I have always dated older than myself.

It's the more mature butches/etc that catch my eye ~ they seem to have a certain swagger about them, a rough exterior but soft(er) on the inside. I like the chiseled look they have earned over the years, the salt & pepper or gray that colors their hair. Most I have found to be warm and funny, full of wisdom gained thru years of life experiences, and 'gentlemenly' like in their nature (manners and character, not old fashioned).

Currently I am seeing a wonderful, mature (well over 40) guy who embodies all of the above, and yes, I had a crush on him before we ever started talking. I think I'm the luckiest girl in the world!