How Different Ages, Wages, and Stages in Life Impact Friendships (And Why It’s Actually a Good Thing)
Let’s face it—friendships aren’t a one-size-fits-all deal. The older we get, the more complicated friendships can become. We’re not talking about the simple, carefree days of childhood where everyone was your friend because you played on the same team. No, adult friendships come with baggage—emotional baggage, work baggage, and sometimes, financial baggage. And let’s not even get started on how people’s lives take unexpected turns. Whether you’re 25, 45, or 65, navigating friendships across different ages, wages, and life stages is like trying to mix oil and water. But here’s the thing: these differences don’t have to be a bad thing. In fact, they can make your friendships richer, more interesting, and more fulfilling. So, if you’ve been struggling to find your tribe, maybe it’s time to embrace the beauty in the mess.
How Different Ages Impact Friendships:
Age can be a big deal in friendships. When you’re young, everyone’s about the same age, but as you get older, it’s easy to feel like you only connect with people in your own age group. The truth? Mixing with different ages can be an absolute game-changer. Older friends bring wisdom, perspective, and experience to the table, while younger friends keep you fresh, energized, and remind you what it’s like to dream without limits. Whether it’s the life advice from someone who’s been through the trenches or the raw, unfiltered enthusiasm of a younger friend, these age gaps can open your eyes to different worlds.
Younger friends might help you keep up with trends and challenge you to take risks, while older friends can teach you how to weather life’s storms. Plus, a mix of ages in your circle makes you feel less stagnant—like you’re part of something bigger, something that transcends age groups and celebrates diversity. Don’t limit yourself to friends your own age; the value in mixing different generations into your social life is immeasurable.
How Different Wages Impact Friendships:
The say act your wage - that doesn't mean only socialize within it! Let’s talk about money, baby. We all know that the financial landscape can make or break friendships. If you’re rich, you’re probably not hanging out at dive bars with people who barely have enough to cover rent. And if you’re struggling to make ends meet, it might feel weird to hang out with people who are casually dropping hundreds on brunches or expensive vacations. But here’s the thing: these financial gaps don’t have to divide you—they can actually strengthen your friendships in ways you never expected.
Friendships that span different financial brackets give you a whole new perspective on what really matters. You get to see different approaches to life—how a high-income friend handles stress or how a low-wage friend finds joy in the little things. Money might affect the kind of activities you do together, but it doesn’t define the depth of your connection. Rich friends might introduce you to new experiences you wouldn’t have access to, while those with fewer resources can teach you resilience, resourcefulness, and the value of a good old-fashioned heart-to-heart.
Financial differences can also bring out generosity, compassion, and empathy. It challenges you to be more considerate about how you spend your time and how you show up for others. Sometimes, the best friendships are the ones where you’ve learned how to work through financial barriers together, finding ways to bond without the pressure of keeping up appearances.
How Different Stages in Life Impact Friendships:
We all go through different stages in life. You’ve got the newly married friend, the divorced friend, the parent with young kids, and the single one navigating the dating scene. These stages can create some serious challenges in friendships—especially when your life looks nothing like your friend’s life. But the magic of having friends in different life stages is that you get to witness each other’s growth, support one another through highs and lows, and share wisdom from your own experiences.
When a friend is going through a divorce, you might not be able to relate directly, but you can still offer empathy, advice, and support from your own perspective. Likewise, when you’re dealing with the stress of new parenthood, that single friend can remind you what it’s like to have freedom and a life that doesn’t revolve around diapers and school pick-ups. Having a wide range of friends at different life stages helps you stay grounded while also giving you insight into parts of life you might not yet understand.
At the end of the day, life stages offer you a chance to be a source of strength or to lean on others for support. These friendships teach you that life’s about more than just one chapter. We’re all on different journeys, and seeing that variety can actually help you navigate your own path with more grace and understanding.
Don't Judge - We All Will Hit Certain Ages/Stages/Wages
It's easy to want to stick with those in your exact situation, because it's comforting and relatable. However, making different friends opens your eyes to embracing new ideas. As you get older, age won't feel so crippling if you have older friends who are still living their best life. If you lose your job, there's community in being able to ask a diverse community of friends for advice or tips. You learn that people are strong and resilient when you allow yourself to mingle with those from different backgrounds/stages. Humanity feels so much more welcoming when we stop putting ourselves in boxes or thinking we are above/below each other.
Embrace the Mess, Embrace the Friends
Friendships aren’t about finding people who match your exact age, income, or life stage. It’s about embracing the chaos, the differences, and the messiness that come with navigating adulthood. Whether you’re friends with someone twice your age, someone making half your salary, or someone going through a major life change, the diversity in your social circle only enriches your life. So, stop limiting yourself to a specific “type” of friend. Embrace the differences and let your friendships challenge you, inspire you, and help you grow. It’s not about finding the perfect fit—it’s about finding people who add something meaningful to your life. So, go ahead—embrace the diversity of your friendships. The world is bigger and better with people who push you out of your comfort zone.
Continue The Conversation:
Check out Season 2, Episode 3 "Ages, Wages, & Stages" on our podcast! Available on Spotify & major streaming platforms! You can also view this episode through our website or on Youtube.
Have a travel friend story to share?! We would love to hear it! Leave us a comment or message us at hardtomakefriends@gmail.com
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