Does Age Difference Matter in Friendships?

According to Wikipedia, friends tend to share common backgrounds, occupations, or interests. It is natural that peers are more likely to share common interests because they are in the same age group, but this doesn't mean that you cannot have shared interests with people who are younger or older than you. There are a lot of older people who are still young at heart and a lot of young people who love all things vintage and retro.

Having older and younger friends can actually be very good for you. Older friends can share their experience and wisdom with you without being condescending, and younger friends will help you forget about your biological age and feel younger. Besides, when you have friends who vary in age, you can have different kids of conversations with them and learn a lot from them.

We aren't saying that you should deliberately choose friends who are older or younger that you. Friendships don't work that way, they just happen. What you should do is to never judge people you meet by their age. Age is just a number, after all. When you meet someone you like, feel free get to know them better regardless of their age.

You also shouldn't forget that as people get older, age difference means less and less. A 10-year-old and a 20-year-old basically live in different worlds, but a 40-year-old and 50-year old feel closer in age because they have similar experiences.

Of course, age difference can affect friendships as people who belong to different generations are more likely have very different opinions on some matters. However, that doesn't mean they can't be friends. People who are close in age can have different opinions as well. When you are friends with someone, you need to accept your differences and respect each other's opinions and beliefs. Sometimes you'll just have to agree to disagree.

The bottom line is, age difference doesn't matter much as far as friendships are concerned. As long as you get along, share common interests, are comfortable around each other and support each other, it doesn't matter how old you are. Maybe you won't feel around your older/younger friends the same way you feel around your peers, but that's okay. Each friendship has its vibe and dynamic that depend on many factors, age difference being just one of them.