Sydney Sweeney's dating choices explained by experts amid romance with Scooter Braun
Sydney Sweeney’s love life is once again making headlines, not just for who she’s dating, but for the age gap between her and her partners
Sydney Sweeney’s love life has once again captured public attention — not only because of her high-profile relationships, but because of the age gaps that often accompany them.
The 28-year-old Euphoria star is now linked to 44-year-old music executive Scooter Braun, following a years-long relationship (and engagement) to businessman Jonathan Davino, whom she began dating at age 20.
The former couple co-founded Sweeney’s production company, Fifty-Fifty Films, before splitting earlier this year.
After Sweeney and Braun were spotted sharing a kiss earlier this week, relationship expert and licensed sexologist Sofie Roos weighed in on the psychology behind such relationships, explaining that attraction to older partners is often about emotional security rather than power or status.
“There are many explanations, and it’s rarely about age itself,” Roos told The Daily Mail. “People who prefer older partners often seek stability, safety, and maturity — qualities that are easier to find in someone more experienced.”
As per the outlet, Roos added that those with an insecure attachment style may feel comforted by a partner who appears steady and reliable.
“An older, wiser person can represent someone who’ll stay and take care of you,” she said. However, she cautioned that this doesn’t necessarily stem from trauma.
“Sometimes it’s simply about being more emotionally mature for your age, or realizing people your age aren’t looking for the same things,” Roos explained.
Moreover, Sweeney has previously spoken about her difficult upbringing, which included her parents’ divorce and financial hardship — even sharing that her family once lived in a single hotel room when she was 16.
According to Roos, such early experiences of responsibility can shape later attraction patterns.
“If you had to take on adult responsibilities young, you might seek a partner who feels more in control — it can feel like relief,” she said.
Still, experts stress that these dynamics aren’t necessarily unhealthy.
“It’s about awareness,” Roos added. “If both people communicate openly and respect each other’s boundaries, age differences don’t define the relationship.”
Furthermore, she also dismissed the notion that younger women in age-gap relationships are dependent or driven by status.
“The biggest misunderstanding is that these relationships are always about control,” Roos noted. “Look at Sydney Sweeney — with an estimated net worth of $40 million, she doesn’t need anyone to provide for her.”
Relationship coach Andreea Tanase also pointed out that public reactions to Sweeney’s emotional moments — including a recent reported argument with her ex-fiancé Davino — may be shaped by stereotypes.