Just engage. Make sure you are fully committed to not being a creep, and play your part. Lots of youngsters want and need older role-models/mentors/whatever. As long as you are clear with maintaining and signaling your boundaries, it can be a really positive experience for everyone.
Comment on I feel my life is empty. Is there any way to stop this?
lordnikon@lemmy.world 4 days agoThis is some good feedback. Not op but I have a genuine question if you are a middle aged man. How would you engage people that may be younger than you 20s and up and not look like or at least feel like a creep. Other than my wife I have basically no friends that share my interest. But can’t engage for fear of coming off as a creep.
electric_nan@lemmy.ml 3 days ago
cynar@lemmy.world 4 days ago
It’s mostly a non issue in my group. Our ages run from late teens to OAP. I often don’t even notice ages. I just talk to them as a person with a shared interest.
It does help that at least half of us are neurodiverse. Most awkwardness doesn’t even get noticed by either side. Enthusiasm covers a lot of sins!
I mostly judge people by skill level in the subject. If they are knowledgeable, I’m happy to pick their brain for info. It doesn’t matter if they are 20 years older or younger. Conversely, if they are new, I try and share the lessons and tricks I’ve picked up.