As-salamu alaykum - Why do some older men press on when younger women say no?

As-salamu alaykum. I’m 25 and trying to find a husband through marriage groups online. I’ve noticed a pattern that makes me uncomfortable and confused, and I wanted to ask if others have seen this too. A number of the men who contact me are in their 40s. The age gap itself isn’t my only concern - it’s how they react when I politely decline. (I do state my age preferences in my ISO.) Almost every time they reply with two main points: 1. They insist they look younger than their age. 2. They argue that marriage is serious and a big age gap can be better. When I say I have a preference and I’m not interested, many get defensive. Some start lecturing me about maturity, marriage, or even religion. A few try to persuade me that I’m close‑minded instead of simply uninterested. One man messaged weeks after I declined and asked if I’d “opened my mind.” When I repeated my preference he sent a photo asking if he looked old - he did - and I declined again. He then mentioned that age gaps exist in Islam and said he didn’t want to bother with someone who wasn’t “open.” I was left thinking: if you’re not listening to my answer, why keep bothering? Another time a married man with kids (seeking a second wife) knew my preferences but still pushed, saying I needed a “mature strong man” and that he looked young. I said age-not looks-was the issue. He kept giving unsolicited advice until I blocked him because I felt so uneasy. I know not all older men behave like this, but I’m genuinely curious why some do. A few thoughts I’ve had: • Maybe women nearer their own age can see things they won’t tolerate anymore. • Maybe rejection from a younger woman hurts their ego, especially if they equate self‑worth with appearing young. • Maybe some think younger women are easier to persuade or “educate.” • Or maybe they truly believe someone’s preference is something to be negotiated rather than respected. What bothers me most isn’t the age gap alone but the insistence - the refusal to accept a clear no and framing my boundary as immaturity or ignorance. Repeated attempts to change my mind feel like entitlement. I’m not saying age‑gap marriages are haram or wrong. I’m saying that when someone declines respectfully, that should be respected. Attraction and consent aren’t debates. Seriously - some of these men are closer in age to my parents than to me. Has anyone else experienced this, especially women in their early to mid‑20s? I’d like to understand if this is common or if I’ve just had bad luck.