Re: Intergenerational Friendships--good or bad idea?

More intergenerational, platonic friendships would demonstrate to people that there isn't something inherently "wrong" about them and would be very instrumental in helping to eliminate age segregation. But for the individual, s/he needs to use caution with these kinds of friendships. I think that there are many benefits to be had by both people, but also risks today because of how such friendships are perceived as "inappropriate" and "wrong" because the two people aren't peers. A few things that need to be specially considered with an intergenerational friendship today...

Community: If the local community has a particularly strong hatred of intergenerational friendships, then the friendship isn't advisable because the chance of a detrimental reaction to it is too high.

Parental approval: Any intergenerational friendship today will end in disaster without it.

MAAs who are considering coming out: It is not a good idea to come out if you have a young friend. An ignorant public will assume that it is an abusive one and it will mean severely negative consequences for your friend.