From the other side of the 20's and dwindling 30's I feel compelled to tell you youngins something that I hope is encouraging.

I don't remember many of those socializing days that are the norm throughout those years, with any particular fondness. I know it feels lonely and I'm not dismissing that.

But the significant moments I remember from those years have never involved drinking, clubbing, or even shopping. (Women are all gasping... Stay with me) the moments I remember from those years are things I would still value, like the time I climbed a mountain and felt so close to God I couldn't speak. The time I lent a woman my shoes to walk home, and I walked in her too-small pair.

The birth of my first niece. How she smelled so heavenly and I felt so grown up at a mere 21.

What you believe you're missing out on is no particularly special gift. Yes it's good to be young but it's wasted on seeking pleasure and seeking self. You young things have an incredible opportunity to live a slowed down reflective and meaningful life.

Your friends will come to you in 10 years when they're on their second divorce, or their kids are on Ritalin, because their fast paced life left them zero time to grow as a person.

Ok that's a generalization but its no different than assuming they're all having the time of their lives.

They're just doing what they know. When you know better, you do better. Or when you have to live differently, you are different. That's not necessarily a bad thing.

And one last thing. Friendship doesn't have age limits. I find comfort in the elderly and I'm amused by the young. So if it helps, maybe broaden your circles if that's possible. It's true you have lost some commonality with your peers. But quality people are out there who would love to have a friend such as yourself.

You all have plenty to give or else why would you give yourself to this forum? Right?

Ok, that's your old lady lecture for today. Lol