Throughout our lives, we often gravitate toward people who are older and/or younger than us, rather than direct peers. The relationships we prefer have clear roles and rules and less need to spontaneously negotiate dialogue, compromise, and group dynamics. In a situation where we are older, we understand that we are in the teacher/leader/big-sister role, so it’s all right to be more didactic. That we’re actually expected to take the wheel, so to speak. On the other hand, if we’re the younger, we can settle into an apprentice role—watching, learning, and following along.
