Boomers of Reddit, how have your friendships evolved over the years? In what ways do they resemble or differ from the friendships your children have today?
Boomers of Reddit, how have your friendships evolved over the years? In what ways do they resemble or differ from the friendships your children have today?
As a Boomer, I’ve definitely seen my friendships evolve over the years. In my early years, friendships were often formed through school and work, and they tended to be fairly localized. We spent a lot of time in person, whether it was hanging out after school, getting together for weekends, or even just connecting over the phone. The relationships were often deep and relied heavily on face-to-face interaction.
As life progressed—through marriage, career changes, and raising children—friendships naturally shifted. We became busy with our own families and jobs, which meant that maintaining those connections required more effort. Some friendships faded, while others were built around shared life experiences, like parenting or community involvement.
When I look at my kids and their friendships, there are some notable differences. For one, they have access to technology that allows them to connect with friends instantly, regardless of location. Social media, text messaging, and video calls create a sense of closeness that we didn’t have. However, I sometimes wonder if that leads to more superficial connections, since face-to-face interactions can take a back seat.
My kids also tend to have more diverse friendships, as they’re exposed to different cultures and communities through their online lives. They seem more willing to embrace friendships that challenge traditional boundaries, whether it’s based on interests, ideologies, or experiences.
Overall, while the core of friendship—support, laughter, and companionship—remains constant, the way relationships are formed and maintained has certainly changed. It’s fascinating to see these shifts and reflect on the different paths our friendships take across generations!