This was interesting article with many truths in it about male friendship (‘We don’t do deep emotional discussions’: why men lose their friends – and how they can make more, 25 May). At the age of 76, I have my oldest friend of more than 50 years living close by, and I can talk to him about nearly anything.
Unfortunately, ageing takes its toll on friendship: one friend died, two are a considerable distance away. Yet I am fortunate. Around six or seven years ago, a group of us started having a coffee morning, all members of a local chess club. This echoed the scooter club described in Sam Wollaston’s article. It is interesting to note how the conversation has changed.
Initially at a light level, we now have discovered a lot more about each other’s backgrounds and personalities. This means that we are more ready to share the downsides of life with each other, but also means that we do laugh a lot more.
The widely varying political views just make us more interested rather than conflicted. Being old, we take little seriously any more. Only absence or illness stops me going.
John Reed
Stockport, Greater Manchester
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