""An older friend can offer candid, judgment-free feedback without the power dynamics of a parent or boss," Woo said. Whereas a peer can empathize with the current job market, an older friend can tell you what it was like to make a career pivot or adjust to life in a new city."
""This can cause people to become narrow-minded and judgmental, so having younger friends can help keep your mind open and curious," Ruan said."
""Sharing these concerns with a younger friend can feel liberating because the younger adult can just listen and express comfort without the compulsion to give unhelpful advice," she said. A younger friend may also be more empathetic about marriage and kids, considering they're closer to the beginning of their journey."
""If an older friend is falling into a role of providing all the advice and not receiving any, they could point that out or adjust their behavior," Moore said."
Older friends provide mentorship, candid judgment-free feedback, surrogate-family roles, and perspective that reduces self-doubt about life pace. Older friends can recount career pivots and adjustments to new cities, offering lessons peers may not have. Younger friends bring variety, spontaneity, and keep minds open and curious by challenging narrow perspectives. Younger friends can listen without competing, offer comfort without unhelpful advice, and better empathize with early marriage and parenting stages. Age-gap friendships can renew purpose for both parties. Balance and reciprocity prevent one-sided dynamics by encouraging older friends to share and adjust behavior when needed.
Read at HuffPost
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