Age gaps
None of this is expert advice. It's what people worked out for themselves, usually the hard way — what actually helped, and what they'd tell someone standing where you are. Take what fits and leave the rest.
If you only read a few
Learn from both young people, who may be inexperienced, and old people, who may be close-minded.
Yes, we can still learn from both.
one person who lived it
Recognize that everyone has been through difficult experiences and surround yourself with people who raise your joy.
Life is too short
one person who lived it
Do not be defensive when friends tease you about an age gap; accept it as common teasing for those falling in love.
Everyone gets teased a little when they are falling in love.
one person who lived it
Bond with older colleagues over music, TV shows, movies, sports, or jokes.
Being old does not mean they do not enjoy these forms of entertainment.
one person who lived it
Recognize that feeling comfortable talking to older people may stem from a subconscious lack of fear of judgment due to no direct peer competition.
You do not feel judged, or if you are, you do not care because you do not compete directly with them.
one person who lived it
Do not take self-deprecating age comments personally; let the speaker process their own aging or nostalgia.
It is reflecting, nostalgia, and relating.
one person who lived it
If you were an only child or had few young friends growing up, recognize that you may naturally gravitate toward adults for companionship.
Growing up surrounded by adults can shape this preference.
one person who lived it
Ensure your cultural references are appropriate for your audience's age group, as younger colleagues may not understand jokes based on media they were not born yet to see.
Colleagues may not get your jokes if they were not born when the referenced media aired.
one person who lived it
Recognize that asking someone's age on their birthday is a common cultural norm in places like the Netherlands and is not necessarily rude.
It is a cultural thing where people talk openly about many topics.
one person who lived it