The beauty of friendship in your 40s & 50s

By the time we reach our 40s and 50s, friendship takes on a whole new meaning. It’s no longer about popularity or proximity—it’s about depth, trust, and showing up for each other in ways that truly matter. Because let’s face it: for many (MANY) of us, our best friends are far away.

Keeping it real

Back in our younger years, friendships often revolved around shared activities; in our twenties and thirties, friendships revolved around school, parties, and later, work. But now? It’s about emotional resonance. Women in midlife crave authenticity. We want friends who can see our dirty kitchen, not just the picture-perfect social medial posts.

Skipping the drama

By the time we’ve hit our fifties–ok, maybe even our forties–most of us no longer have the time for drama and emotional rollercoasters. Gone are the days of decoding passive-aggressive texts, or refusing to return a call. At this stage, friendships are about quality time, not quanitity. It’s about gathering when we need support and someone to lean on. Often, it’s about sharing the deep dark secrets we’ve been keeping for a long time. 

Time is sacred

Between careers, caregiving, spouses and just life, time becomes precious. So when friends do make time for each other, it’s intentional and meaningful. And at this stage, it may be just a coffee date. Or a video call. Not much more. But we know how important these quick check points are.

At this stage, our girlfriends become so precious. For me and a couple of friends, our Friday pizza nights become therapy sessions.

Growing together and finding support

Many women in their 40s and 50s are in a season of rediscovery—starting businesses, healing old wounds, or chasing long-held dreams. Many of the women I know have gone through tremendous transformations at this point in their lives. And the friends we keep reflect that.

Personally, I’ve found that the women I cherish most are those I can share very deeply personal struggles with. Because I know they won’t judge me; instead, they’ll try to find ways to help. Or they’ll simply simply listen and let me talk.

We cheer each other’s reinventions. We hold space for transformation. We become accountability partners, not just brunch buddies.

And what I find when I talk to most women is often the same theme: “we don’t talk all the time. But we don’t have to. We know we’re there for each other.”

Friendship in your 40s and 50s is a gift wrapped in wisdom. It’s less about quantity and more about quality. It’s about being seen, supported, and celebrated—not for who you were, but for who you’re becoming.

These friendships aren’t just meaningful—they’re magical. That’s why I’m going to encourage you to keep those friendships alive and healthy.