Friendship Has No Age Limit
Friendships have looked different in every stage of my life.
When I had my first child at 20, most of the other moms were older. They helped me find my footing, shared their wisdom, and showed me what grace under pressure looked like. These friendships meant a lot to me as I brought my own kind of support—fresh energy and curiosity—and we learned from each other, enriching our friendships.
Now, with a teenage daughter, I’m the oldest mom in her friend group. Most of the other moms are at least 10 years younger, and honestly, they keep me young. They share the latest apps, trends, and sometimes even their playlists. And I offer the perspective that only comes from having been around the block a few more times, fostering unique friendships.
Why These Friendships Matter
You Bring the Wisdom
You’ve lived. You’ve learned. And whether you realize it or not, you carry stories and strength that younger people crave. They’ll ask you for advice, but more than that—they’ll remember how you made them feel seen. That matters, especially in friendships.
They Bring the Energy
Trends, tech, and all things TikTok—they’re in the loop. And if you’ve ever wanted to learn what a meme really means or how to finally use Instagram Stories without deleting them by accident, they’re the ones to ask, enhancing these friendships.
You Learn From Each Other
They teach you how to use the latest tech, and you show them how to write a heartfelt thank-you or fix a wobbly table leg. These little exchanges build a bond that’s practical, real, and meaningful—a true reflection of friendships.
Different Perspectives, Better Conversations
You see the world differently—and that’s the point. These friendships create space for deeper conversations, where both people walk away thinking, I never thought about it like that.
How to Start One of These Friendships
Open Up
Your past isn’t boring. Trust me. Stories about landlines, mix tapes, or your first road trip? They’re fascinated. You don’t have to try to impress—just be real. This is a key to building genuine friendships.
Laugh About the Differences
Yes, they’ll giggle when you say “hashtag” out loud. And you might raise an eyebrow at their slang. But when you can laugh together? That’s where the bond really forms, nurturing friendships.
Find Shared Interests
Music. Food. Fitness. Books. There’s always something to connect over. You don’t need to have everything in common—just one or two things that make space for more friendships.
Stay Curious
Ask about their world—and invite them into yours. Curiosity keeps us young, and it builds bridges where differences might otherwise get in the way of developing friendships.
What You Both Get From It
They get:
- Someone steady to lean on
- Encouragement without pressure
- Life advice from someone who’s lived it
You get:
- Fresh perspective
- A little more energy
- A reminder that life is always evolving
Real-Life Friendship Wins
My daughter’s friends’ moms: They keep me laughing, updated, and connected. I remind them it’s okay not to have it all figured out. These are the wins of amazing friendships.
The older moms when I was younger: They gave me confidence when I needed it most. I gave them a dose of wide-eyed optimism and a fresh take on things—this exchange builds powerful friendships.
That’s what these friendships are really about—balance, perspective, and growth.
Final Thoughts
Some of the best friendships I’ve ever had were with people nowhere near my age. They’ve made me laugh, pushed me to grow, and reminded me that connection is timeless.
So don’t hold back, as forming friendships with people from different generations can be enriching. Whether you’re 25 or 75, there’s always room for a new friend—and maybe even a little help setting up your phone.
Friendship Has No Age Limit – Tell me in the comments—who’s someone from another generation who’s made your life better?
