Just pondering today and I have lots of different groups from different points in my life. When I was at school all my friends were from the same year and the same age. The thought of having friends 10 years older was weird but as an adult that's totally normal. I was wondering where everyone else's came from and those relationships formed.
Mine are:
My two best friends who are both 2 years older than me (I'm 40). One I met when our eldest were babies. The other I knew vaguely from school and then playing sport together. Message them everyday and see them at least once a week. Holiday with them (and families) regularly.
My dsis whom I speak to 3/4 times per week but only see 5/6 times per year due to distance.
Dh and I have a close group of couple friends from when our kids were in reception together. Seven of us in total with half of us early forties and the other half early fifties including one of my bfs. Group whatsapp and see them probably every month. Holiday occasionally.
A group which includes DH's 2 best friends from school and their wives. Holiday with them regularly and regular whatsapp.
A group of girlfriends from school who I see irregularly but we whatsapp often and meet up a couple of times a year.
My work colleagues. Two who I am friendly with in particular but separately. One a few years younger and my immediate boss who is 15 years older. Regularly whatsapp and meet for drinks/walk occasionally.
We have a wider social circle of mainly school parents who I meet for coffee or drinks sometimes.
What about everyone else?