As humans grow up most times we gain an increasingly diverse body of friends. Often diverse in race, views, gender and sexuality, though not as frequently do we see groups of diverse ages. Especially throughout periods of schooling there are certain points where we believe there is a vast difference between people, such as middle school to high school or high school to college. These barriers, that we may not even notice, often prevent us from forming friendships with those who aren’t our age. Here are 4 reasons that you should make friends with people out of your age range.

1. You’re one of the “cool kids”

Speaking from personal experience being friends with someone who’s 4+ years older will make you feel like you’ve made it in the world. Like “Yeah, I’m cool and mature and hang out with the older kids”. Then when you’re the older one you get to give that feeling to someone younger.

2. Life is difficult

Everyone faces times in their lives where they need advice, but people the same age may not have a lot of wisdom on the subject, and there are some issues that change generationally, so trusted adults could be just as clueless. But if you have someone who’s a few years older and has gone through a similar time, they can help you. For example, one of my good friends, who is a sophomore in high school while I’m a sophomore in college, discovered they were bisexual last year. They came to me to help them figure it out because I’m gay as hell and I had gone through the coming out process much like they would have to.

3. You get to hear all the drama

Since you’re for the most part disconnected, especially if there is a college/ high school difference, they’ll tell you all about what’s happening in school. For the older person this most likely means hearing about people you only knew the name of before you graduated, and for the younger person you get to hear about people you’ve never heard of doing things you didn’t know were possible.

4. It’s so easy

I have a plethora of friends older and younger who I’ve gotten to know just because of extra-curriculars. All you have to do is join an activity outside of school that teaches all ages and you’ll be on your way to making great friends.