Could have written this myself. I have friends from early 20s to early 80s (I'm somewhere in the middle). Very few my own age though. My older/younger friendships are really simple - we just enjoy one another's company. No pressure, no sense of being used. I always feel better about myself when I see them. I feel very fortunate.

This is true in my experience too. I chalk it up to competition and the fact that any former friends of the same age want to either compete for the same opportunities such as as jobs or resources or want to use me as a way of helping them get these things.

I think this year has smashed wide open for all to see the appearance versus authenticity divide in people’s friendship value systems.

don't know why its like that really but I understand what you mean.

Have been friends with younger & older (& similar age) but definitely prefer people with similar hobbies & values... and social status (single & kidfree) because attached/parents have a lot less free time.

That everyone like you is the problem... But you aren't part of it?

What are the chances you are the same troll who sows doubt and blame in response to every confession?

I think self-loathing plays a factor. If you hate yourself, you're also going to hate people similar to you.

You think there's only ONE of them???

The trolls live where they are safe.
The internet is their bridge.

yeah i think its called maturity as opposed to pack of hyena of same chattering away in places. also the me me western culture that discard elderly provides less chances of connecting with other age group but its perfectly normal in other advanced cultures