Age is just a number. Normally when this phrase is said, it has to do with relationships, but this statement holds true for friendships as well. When it comes to friends, there are three significant categories: the older, the younger and the same age. Each of them is beneficial in their own way, and no two ways are identical.
Older friends
Older friends serve as role models. Although you hang out together in normal situations, you can’t help but secretly want to be them when you reach their age. They may be as little as one year older than you, but they still serve as an inspiration. Advice from an older friend is more than likely reliable because as the saying goes, "Another year older, another year wiser." Your older friends have been through the ropes, and they can show you the way. Older friends will always be by your side in times of trouble because chances are that they have been in your shoes, or something very close to them. Older friends have a sense of maturity about them, and the chances of you two getting into any law-breaking shenanigans are slim to none. It can be tough watching your old friends graduate or move on to another page in their lives, but no matter what, nothing in your friendship will change.
Younger friends
When surrounded by younger friends, you are almost guaranteed to have a fun time. Having younger friends is a blast because they keep you youthful and remind you of who you used to be. In this case, you can show your younger friends the way of life and give them advice in their times of need. Another added bonus is that sometimes they know about the latest trends before you do. These trends can range from fashion to social media to dance moves to songs and everything in between. This works especially if you two are in different stages of your lives (i.e. high school and college). Younger friends tend to be more carefree and adventurous, so expect many spontaneous journeys with these people. These friends may be younger than you, but conversations with them are completely normal. Unless your best friend is three years old, you can have mature conversations with them. Some of my very best friends are younger than me, yet when we are together, I rarely ever feel an age gap.
Same-age friends
Friends who are the same age as you are likely to be some of your closest friends. You are all in the same place in your lives, and all of your problems are relatable to one another. If you’re in school, chances are high that these people will be in your classes and around for other school activities, so they will participate in all of these things right by your side. When going through life, these people are going through the same things as you, and you can learn how to work through them together. Although you all live different lives, friends your age seem to always find their way back to you and you can chat your day away about what direction your lives have taken you. Some discover their same-age friends in elementary, middle, high school and even college. Something about being in the same place in your lives draws you closer than ever, and friends your age are extremely valuable for this reason.
No matter what age your friends are, the level of friendship probably doesn’t differ. Friendships of all shapes and sizes can go the distance. No one age group is superior to another, and they are all special in their own rights. All of my older, younger and same-age friends are irreplaceable, and they prove that age is truly just a number.
