Why it is so nice to have an older friend

I even have two. Harriet (without the dots on the ‘e’, she finds that ugly) and Peggy. Both are somewhere in their sixties, but where exactly we find really uninteresting. I met both of them at the editorial office of a magazine and I have clung to both of them like a Love bracelet from Cartier to a greedy wrist. Even though we sometimes suddenly don't see each other for a few months, I can thrive on a cup of tea or shopping moment with them for ages. An older friend is indeed a party and for these resounding reasons.

1. They really love you
They have gathered enough people in their lives, so they are not waiting one, two, three for fresh friendships. If they let you in, you know they are not doing it out of politeness. No, they open up to you and are genuinely and unconditionally interested in everything you do.

2. They don't know jealousy
They have seen it, they have been there. The frantic journey to success and happiness they have long completed. They take it easy, pick the cherries from the cake, are content with themselves, and applaud everything you do.

3. They give honest advice
Because they are older and wiser, but also because they have no vested interest in a particular course of a situation. You know that what they say and advise you comes from a genuine place and only stems from what they believe is best for you.

4. They are not easily rattled
“Sex is sometimes just sex,” one of the two once said when we discussed that someone was back with her cheating husband. “These things happen sometimes, to sacrifice all your happiness for that...” They know that a story has two sides and do not judge quickly.

5. They have a great wardrobe
From which they lovingly lend or occasionally give something to you. So on Friday, after a cappuccino with Peggy, I walked back to my car with a beautiful Lanvin dress in my bag under the pretense of ‘I'm not wearing it anymore, so before the moths eat it, it's yours.‘.

6. Their resounding one-liners are gold
I want to tell you them if you treat me to a glass of white wine.

7. They have the most beautiful stories
About the past, life, love, and everything in between

8. They make time for you
Their life is a little less hectic (although they travel a lot and visit one museum after another), but they are aware of your schedule and lovingly adjust a bit without asking for credit for it. They also understand if you don't reach out for a few months.

Dearest C. and P., have I already said that I love you?