A great way to learn informally is to make friends with people who are not from your generation. 

You’ll find your perspective broadened and more diversity in your social circle. 

For illustration purposes, let’s say you’re in your mid-30s. 

Would you be comfortable connecting with someone in their early 50s or early 20s outside of a professional setting?

If you already are but want to learn how you can make the exchange and connection more meaningful, here are five tips below. 

Be Respectful about your differences and Embrace those differences

The best relationships go beyond a one way street. It’s about sharing and learning from each other’s respective experiences and being curious about each other. 

When your intentions are pure and you come across and kind and curious, you’ll be surprised how quickly people open up to you. Ask respectfully and don’t fear asking silly questions, you don’t know what you don’t know. Furthermore, it is always safer to ask and clarify, rather than make assumptions based on a stereotype. Your basic understanding can guide your question but use your curiosity to lead you in the conversation. 

 Remember that you will be OR were once their age

If you’re speaking to an older person, remember that they were once your age.

If you’re speaking to a younger person, remember that you were once their age.

There will be common topics to be discussed and this can create opportunities for greater understanding.

When you compare your assumptions with their reality and/or compare your real life experience with what they are currently going through, you’ll learn so much about how time has influenced lifestyles, perspectives and biases. 

Find Common Ground

An older person may be much older but they could also be a movie buff like you. Ask about topics that interest you and them and you might find a new buddy to discuss films with. 

When talking to a younger person, 

Be inclusive and look out for them

There may be trends that someone older wouldn’t be privy to such as the concept of memes, having a tik tok account, lingo that generation alpha uses etc. 

When that happens, think about a party that you attended when the only person you know is the person you came with. Did the host / hostess properly introduce you to the other people at the party? Did they check in with you to see if you were doing alright at the party? 

Be that person.

In this case, it’s about giving your new friend a little background about what this new concept is about so that they have some context.  

The same goes for if your younger friend is baffled by corporate lingo etc. 

Be aware of age-related stereotypes that can limit connection 

We all have biases and past experiences may have reinforced that. However when you meet someone new, it’s helpful to connect with an open mind. 

By asking more questions and listening to understand, you’ll find different topics to chat about.

You might also find your prejudices delightfully corrected. 

Would you like every message spoken and written by you to be effective but still reflect your personality? If you would like to learn to be a more effective communicator at work, let’s chat more. You can read about what I do here.

You can read more posts on relating to people here.