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Parents Can’t Stop Talking About Their New Friend, Son Doesn’t Understand: “Freaky How Obsessed They’ve Become”
Older man confronting younger man while woman comforts him during a tense conversation about their 20YO best friend.

Parents Become Very Close To A 20YO Coworker, Man Is Weirded Out By The Age Gap

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It’s said that age ain’t nothing but a number, but what happens when the age gap is 40 years? We’re not talking about a romantic relationship this time but rather, a friendship struck up between a couple in their 60s and a 20-year-old woman.

Some may think it’s no big deal but the couple’s son is bothered enough to have turned to strangers on the internet for advice. The man says his parents met the much younger woman at work, and she’s become like furniture in their house. She was even at the family’s intimate Easter celebration. While it could be an innocent friendship, the man is convinced there’s something more sinister at play.

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    He was shocked when his parents brought home a 20-year-old woman from work and she became like the furniture

    Image credits: FastSpeedsImagery/Envato (not the actual photo)

    They say it’s just a friendship but the man believes something sinister is at play

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    Image credits: Image-Source/Envato (not the actual photo)

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    Image credits: Gajus-Images/Envato (not the actual photo)

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    Image credits: msvyatkovska/Envato (not the actual photo)

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    Age-gap friendships aren’t spoken about a lot, but they’re happening more often than you might think

    Demi Moore did it, Madonna, Chris Jenner and Cher are still doing it. Having a partner who is decades younger (or older) isn’t as taboo as it once was…

    But what about age gap friendships? That’s not something we hear or talk about every day.

    Why not, though? According to one U.S. survey on intergenerational friendships, nearly four in 10 adults have a close friend with a 15-year age gap. Most met at work, while others met in their neighborhood, at church or temple, or through mutual friends.

    The poll was conducted by AARP, a non-profit and advocate for over-50s, that empowers people to choose how they live as they age. 1,500 adults took part in the survey back in 2019.

    When asked about their intergenerational friendships, many said that they value the perspective that friends of a different age can provide. It’s a sentiment echoed by the team at South African-based Evergreen Lifestyle Retirement Villages.

    “As the adage goes, with age comes wisdom – and as older adults have more life experience, they can share a different perspective and offer some ‘been there, done that’ advice. Younger adults tend to be more open to new opportunities – and can encourage you to be, too,” notes the site. “Plus, they can share their enthusiasm and their perspective on an ever-changing world.”

    Meanwhile, younger respondents of the AARP survey revealed that they’re often inspired by their older friends, whom they view as role models.

    Take Laura Mackenzie, for example. In an interview with Refinery29, the then-30-year-old revealed that she has two work “besties.” They’re both men. One in his 50s, the other in his 70s.

    “They’re by far the most wholesome, real and supportive friendships I’ve had to date. I speak to them every day, they know my work struggles, my personal struggles, they let me be real and honest,” she said. “I honestly couldn’t get through my days without them…They remind me that similar life experiences transcend generations and we’re all the same.”

    These age-gap friendships aren’t one night stands, or casual flings either, so to speak. “Almost half (45%) of close intergenerational friendships have lasted at least 10 years and one in five (20%) has lasted for more than two decades,” the AARP survey also found.

    “This sounds weird”: many agreed that something was up and some advised the son to run a background check

    Some accused the son of being jealous and felt he should leave the besties in peace

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    Robyn Smith

    Robyn Smith

    Writer, BoredPanda staff

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    Robyn is an award-winning journalist who has produced work for several international media outlets. Made in Africa and exported to the world, she is obsessed with travel and the allure of new places. A lover of words and visuals, Robyn is part of the Bored Panda writing team. This Panda has two bamboo tattoos: A map of Africa & the words "Be Like The Bamboo... Bend Never Break."

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    Robyn Smith

    Robyn Smith

    Writer, BoredPanda staff

    Robyn is an award-winning journalist who has produced work for several international media outlets. Made in Africa and exported to the world, she is obsessed with travel and the allure of new places. A lover of words and visuals, Robyn is part of the Bored Panda writing team. This Panda has two bamboo tattoos: A map of Africa & the words "Be Like The Bamboo... Bend Never Break."

    What do you think ?
    LollyLaLu
    Community Member
    2 days ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Didn't answer the pole question because it didn't have the option: DO A BACKGROUND CHECK ASAP. As this is very concerning.

    LinkTheHylian
    Community Member
    2 days ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Dude's already deleted it from Reddit but I haven't found a follow-up.

    Kate Johnson
    Community Member
    Premium
    2 days ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I'd start going over there by myself, but I'd quit bringing my kids over there. I wouldn't subject them to being hurt by their grandparents lack of attention. I'd also hire a PI and do a background check on April.

    Load More Comments
    LollyLaLu
    Community Member
    2 days ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Didn't answer the pole question because it didn't have the option: DO A BACKGROUND CHECK ASAP. As this is very concerning.

    LinkTheHylian
    Community Member
    2 days ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Dude's already deleted it from Reddit but I haven't found a follow-up.

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    Kate Johnson
    Community Member
    Premium
    2 days ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I'd start going over there by myself, but I'd quit bringing my kids over there. I wouldn't subject them to being hurt by their grandparents lack of attention. I'd also hire a PI and do a background check on April.

    Load More Comments
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