The Surprising Perspective: Rachel Bilson's Take on Single Men in Their 40s with Few Sexual Partners
Actress Rachel Bilson voices her perspective on the dating scene, expressing her thoughts about single men in their 40s who have had limited sexual experiences, sparking a discussion on societal norms and relationships
Rachel Bilson Jason Kempin/Getty Images for SCAD
Rachel Bilson expresses caution when considering the possibility of dating a middle-aged man who has a relatively low number of sexual partners. During an episode of her podcast "Broad Ideas with Rachel Bilson" on October 3rd, the 42-year-old actress remarks, "I don't mean to judge, but if a guy is in his 40s and has only been intimate with four women... However, it all depends. Perhaps he has been in decade-long relationships, which is completely respectable."
However, the actress conceded that if a man's sexual partners were "significantly few" by the time he reached his 40s, she would find it somewhat unconventional. She also recognized that it was unjust of her to pass such judgment. Bilson additionally confessed that she previously inquired about her partners' past intimate encounters but would likely refrain from doing so in the future.
The conversation was sparked when she, along with her cohost and longtime friend Olivia Allen, and podcast producer Rob Holysz, reflected on their dating experiences.
"I spent my entire 20s in a relationship, while others were actively dating," Bilson, who was in a relationship with her The O.C. costar Adam Brody from 2003 to 2006 and had an on-and-off relationship with ex-fiancé Hayden Christensen from 2007 to 2017, shared. (Bilson and Christensen, who have a daughter named Briar Rose, 8, together, also recently dated Bill Hader from 2020 to 2021.)
Bilson has openly discussed her sexual experiences on her podcast throughout the years. After ending her relationship with Hader, age 45, Bilson jokingly mentioned on a podcast episode in March 2022 that she would miss the actor's well-endowed physique.
One year later, Bilson disclosed that she didn't experience an orgasm during sex until she reached the age of 38. She later clarified that she didn't hold any of her past partners responsible for this. "It is not their fault," she stated in a March episode of "The Viall Files" podcast. "The issue lies in me understanding my own body."
In June, Bilson admitted that she had never pretended to have an orgasm with a partner. She explained that it contradicted her natural inclination to prioritize others and aim to please them.
Bilson, who is known for her openness in sharing NSFW confessions, shared in May that she lost a job opportunity after expressing her desire to be "manhandled" in the bedroom.
"This is the first time it has occurred in my professional life, where I was let go from a job because of comments I made," Bilson revealed during an episode of "Broad Ideas." She added, "I lost the job because I was speaking honestly and lightheartedly about sex on a podcast hosted by our friend."
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