While there is comfort in having friends in the same season of life as you, there is also beauty to be found in differences. There is wisdom in having friends who are a few steps ahead of you. Here are five benefits of having friends at different stages of life than you.
They Help You Gain Perspective
Certain moments in your life can seem devastating. It can be difficult to imagine when you will recover. Having friends at different stages of life will be a gift in those moments. Friends who have weathered the storm can help pull the curtain back on those rainy days and encourage you to look toward the future.
They Can Give You Advice
Whether you are getting back on the dating scene or going on your first date, friends are there to guide you and root for you. The benefits of having friends in various stages of life is that they can give you advice on dating, career, family, life transitions and so much more.
They Help You Appreciate the Small Things
An older friend might encourage you to appreciate the joy and exuberance of your youth. A friend who is younger than you might remind you to value all the wisdom you have gained through the years. It’s easy to overlook the minutiae, but a friend who is in a different season of life can help you stop and smell the roses.
They Bring Joy to Your Life
When two people are in different seasons of life, they bring together varied experiences, knowledge, skills and humor. One great thing about having friends in various stages is the ability to laugh at your differences.
They Challenge You to Grow
Friends who are in different stages of life will challenge you. They will offer different perspectives and bring to the table different life experiences. While these differences could cause tension, they are an opportunity for growth and to challenge your own way of thinking and doing things.