I'm 30, and my best friend is 75. She's shaped how I approach relationships.

Courtesy of Hannah Wilkinson

• My parents introduced me to my best friend when I was 19, hoping she would be a good mentor for me.
• Now, more than 10 years later, I consider her my best friend.
• Despite our 45-year difference — or perhaps because of it — we've learned so much from each other.

Heartbroken after being dumped by my then-boyfriend, I met a friend for dinner.