Can Different Generations Truly Be Friends?If you’re a Baby Boomer or Gen Xer, what’s your favorite insult for young people? Do you like to talk about your car’s “Millennial anti-theft device” (aka a stick shift)? Or maybe you’re fond of poking fun at today’s coddled college students? If you’re a Millennial or Zoomer, do you have a go-to dig for older adults? “OK Boomer” is stale at this point, so maybe you’ve moved onto jabs about signing up for Peacock to watch football or how you could buy a home in 1969 for seven raspberries. Even if you don’t partake in these generational skirmishes yourself, they’re unavoidable on social media — and what proliferates online seeps into the rest of the culture. As the country experiences a widening generation gap, how can we reach across the chasm? As part of our ongoing series on male friendship, I spoke with two guys who have become friends despite a 34-year age gap. One is a Gen Zer, one a Gen Xer. Unlike most of their peers, they specifically sought out an intergenerational friendship. After reading about their unique experience — and insight from people who work to bridge generational divides — I have a feeling you’ll look around at your buddies and think: maybe I need some new friends. — Alex Lauer | 
