The Case For Making Friends Who Are In Different Life Stages Than You

Friendship IRL

I just want to make friends who are in the same stage of life as me.

In this business, I hear some of the same phrases over and over, and this is one of them. I love that goal, and it’s a big part of what I talk about on the podcast. But recently, I’ve also noticed a trend in which people are seeking friends who are in DIFFERENT life stages.

So that’s what I’m talking about today. Why would you want friends in different life stages than you? And more importantly, how do you make and maintain friendships with people whose current life circumstances are so different from yours?

Personally, I’m looking for a walking buddy, and I feel like that perfect someone might not be a fellow entrepreneur in their mid-30s. What friendships are you looking for in your own life? How might people in different life stages add some richness to your social wellness?

In this episode you’ll hear about:

• The tendency to lean on sameness or perceived similarity in friendships – and the similarities you can still find between friends in different life stages
• Why sometimes it’s actually easier to spend time with people in different life stages because they have different time constraints
• The opportunities for sharing wisdom and learning when you’re friends with people who are older or younger than you
• How sometimes having friends in different stages of life alleviates pressure to act or be a certain way – plus, ideas on how to find these friends!

Resources & Links:

Learn about my Wheel of Connection framework and be sure to check out Episode 77 about female friendships and Episode 15, about managing differences in friendships.

Like what you hear? Visit my website, leave me a voicemail, and follow me on Instagram and TikTok!

Want to take this conversation a step further? Send this episode to a friend. Tell them you found it interesting and use what we just talked about as a conversation starter the next time you and your friend hang out!