Friends, Enemies, and the Psychological Warfare of the “Frenemy” Life used to be simple. You had people you liked (Friends) and people you’d fight in a parking lot (Enemies). But then, society invented the “Frenemy,” and suddenly we all need a degree in international diplomacy just to go to brunch. 1. Friends: The “I’ll Delete […]

As I wrap up this series, let’s take a step back and reflect on what I hope you learned about fitting in, making new friends, and finding a place where you truly belong. For seniors, it’s never too late to forge meaningful relationships, expand your circle, and feel at home in a community. Here are […]

The idea of “fitting in” can feel like a balancing act. On the one hand, we want to feel accepted, part of a group, and connected to others. On the other hand, we don’t want to lose our individuality or stop being true to ourselves. As we navigate the social world in our senior years, […]

There’s a common (and false) belief floating around that making friends gets harder as we get older. Some of us even wear it like a badge: “At my age, people have their circles already. I don’t want to intrude.” Nonsense. Yes, life changes. Our routines shift, people move away or pass on, and we’re no […]

Let’s get something out of the way right now: Being liked isn’t about being the loudest voice in the room, having the most stories, or showing off the longest list of accomplishments. It’s about how you make other people feel when they’re around you. And here’s the secret: People are drawn to people who make […]

It’s a tricky dance, isn’t it? You want to belong. You want to be seen. You want people to know you’re capable, friendly, and have a lifetime of wisdom to share. But sometimes, in the effort to prove all that… we step on toes. For many of us in our senior years, the line between […]

Let’s be honest: most of us think we’re good listeners. We nod politely, maintain eye contact, and maybe even throw in a “Mmm-hmm” or a “That’s interesting.” But here’s a question worth asking: Are you really listening, or are you just waiting for your turn to talk? It’s a tough question, especially for those of […]

Let’s clear something up: talking isn’t the same as communicating. If it were, a lot more people would feel heard, understood, and appreciated. But as many of us have discovered the hard way, communication is a two-part dance, and some of us have been stepping on toes without even knowing it. So, what does good […]

Now that you understand why forming friendships in retirement can feel challenging, let’s explore ways to overcome those barriers and build meaningful connections. Friendship in later years is not only possible but also incredibly rewarding. Rekindle the Three Pillars of Friendship To rebuild proximity, start by getting involved locally. Whether it’s through a neighbourhood group, […]

I live on the outskirts of Vancouver and might know the city’s reputation for being friendly but reserved. Many newcomers describe it as a place where forming deeper connections can be challenging. It’s a sentiment that resonates across Canada, especially as adults and seniors find themselves in new life stages where making friends doesn’t come as […]