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Monday, March 10, 2008

Unlikely Friends

Some of my favorite/best friendships were ones that seemed so unlikely from the outside. Here are some reasons why.

1. Age gap/generation gap

2. She was a mom, I wasn't/I'm a mom, she's not/I'm a mom, she's a grandma

3. Cultural gap

4. Ethnic gap

5. Different financial status

I've had a lot of different friends over the years. Some I've kept up with, and the rest I miss dearly. I'd have to say that I'm much more likely to be great friends with someone who is different than me. I don't really have any friends who are my age with young children. There are a few people who I talk to now and then that are similar to me. For the most part I think I'm drawn to people who are different than me.

I have learned to love those people who are different from me. We share stories, and we have great perspectives for advice for one another. I enjoy learning new things and expanding my horizons. I think that's why I love meeting new people and making new friends.

How about you? What type of people are you drawn to? Similar to or different from you?

8 comments:

d e v a n said...

Before I had kids I had much more diverse friends. Now I find it hard to get together with friends who don't have kids. We're just not on the same page anymore and can't do the same things. (because of the kids.)
WITHOUT the kids, which is hardly ever, we still have fun together though.

2Forgetful said...

It's actually after having kids that I think my friends are more diverse than ever. Well, at least my twin mom friends are. We mostly became friends because we were going through this whole experience of having two+ babies at once. So now I have these great friends that are 2-15 years older than me, totally different backgrounds, grew up in different parts of the country, practice different religions or none at all, and a wide range of $$$.

Really, the only thing we ALL have in common is being moms of twins/triplets/quads. Which is why I'm really grateful to have had twins or I would probably be sitting at home lonely and sad all the time. ;-)

Saly said...

The majority of our friends are married, with kids. I feel like we are lucky; we have had the same friends since high school and college. Our relationships have changed over time, through marraige and kids, but we are still friends. It's pretty neat when you think about it.

Misty said...

this is a great list! I always hope to find a good friend that I can connect with, that is in the same age range and place in life. I have friends like that, but my closest friends have always been older or younger. My two closest friends right now are this way. my best friend is 10 years older than I am, and my other closest comrade is 8 years younger.

Anonymous said...

What an interesting array of friends you must have! Most of mine are moms, but not all. Most are within 5-6 years of my age, too, but I'd have no problem with older (or younger) friends.

I'm actually looking forward to our move to the 'burbs so that I can meet some new people and make new friends. Hopefully, my new friends will be as diverse as yours!

Don Mills Diva said...

A bit of both I think. I think as I've aged I've come to realize how much people with different backgrounds and experiences have to offer though I probably have fewer opportunities to meet them...

Shauna Loves Chocolate said...

Since having kids, I find myself being around people who have kids (or at least people who like kids) and avoiding those who don't have kids (or don't like kids).

I also find myself talking to older people more - I love hearing their stories and wisdom.

Nowheymama said...

How interesting! I think I have more similar friends.