I'm a strong encourager of having a vast array of different friends. I think it's healthy to maintain friendships with people who are and are not the same age or background as you. You can really learn a lot from any relationship.
For example, I have an older friend. I'd tell you her age but (1) never divulge a woman's age without consent and (2) I actually don't know how old she is, even though she just had a birthday! You see, she's one of those people who believe age is just a number not a definition. If I had to guess I'd say she's early 70's maybe middle 70's? But she acts like she's late 50's- early 60's.
We started being friends last summer. She knew my mom way back when she was a little girl. They recently ran into each other again and when we moved back to town, we met for the first time. She needed some help with facebook (she's quite the avid facebooker) and her computer so I started going over to help. She's a professional quilter, she runs a small but very busy quilting business out of her home so when she found out I wanted to learn how to quilt we made a trade. I educate and help her with computer/internet/technology and she teaches me to quilt. Not a bad trade eh?
I've learned quite a few things from her this past year! Here's a few of them:
Age is just a number. It doesn't define who you are.
Just because you've lived a long time, doesn't mean you have it all figured out
You can teach an old dog new tricks. Never stop learning or trying new things.
Nobody is perfect. If you make a mistake apologize. Even if it's to a salesman on the phone.
Live for the moment and be spontaneous. Routines are nice but sometimes just decide to do something on a whim.
What do you think? Do you stick to friends your own age/background? Or do you have a random network of people who influence your life?
I totally agree with you, Carissa. Age is just a number and it's rewarding to have friends of all ages. I have younger friends and older friends (and of course, friends my age ;)) and every relationship is very unique!
ReplyDeleteThis was refreshing! I totally have a whole bunch of different people in my life, of all different ages. Nerds, drama geeks, musicians, church friends, and a whole lot more. It's so refreshing to mix up your pals. To learn from them. I also agree with being spontaneous! It's the best thing you can do for yourself!
ReplyDeleteIt might reveal how long it's been since I have read blogs but I LOVE your new (is it still new?) header.
ReplyDeleteI have friends of all ages. I enjoy learning from people of different ages. I do find though that a majority of my friends are older than me. I am starting to feel more comfortable with younger people.
I find that I really get along well with my older relatives, and I can talk to my gramma for hours and hours.
Age IS just a number.
I look for friends that I have a lot in common with: life experiences and such. But age doesn't really matter. I have a really good friend that's twice my age, and I don't even really notice the difference.
ReplyDeleteI'm with you, Carissa. Luckily through my work, I've been able to connect with people of all ages. My closest friends are still close to my own age, but my acquaintances really range in age. I think it's sooooo important to be exposed to different thoughts and life experiences!
ReplyDeleteCarissa, I definitely agree with you! One of my best friends is 65; I am 32. We have worked and traveled together for many years. I have learned a lot from her, like to speak my mind and not let others walk all over me, and that you are never to old to chase your dreams. :) I have friends of all ages and backgrounds and I've learned a lot from all those relationships.
ReplyDeleteSo true! Every relationship is special and important it it's own way!
ReplyDeleteExactly! That's a different angle! Friends with different interests and hobbies! There is totally something to be said about spontaneity! It makes life interesting! ;)
ReplyDeleteThanks! No worries! I changed it maybe a week ago? So it's still really new! I've found I have more friends younger and older than I do my own age. I'm not really sure how that happened! But any friendship is special!
ReplyDeleteI love talking to older relatives! It's fun to hear about what life was like for them and what other relatives were like before I existed!
Yeah, it's kind of neat how that works eh? Sometimes I do that too! Be sitting there having a conversation and feel like there is no age difference at all. I think that might be one of the marks of a great friendship! :)
ReplyDeleteThat's neat! Whenever I've worked with people much older or younger I've hoped that they've interacted with me not with age in mind but by my personality alone. I've made some great work friends over the years :)
ReplyDeleteThat's so great! Those are really important leassons to learn! Sounds like a great friendship!
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