There’s something you don’t really see coming as you age, and that’s how your relationships with your bros start to shift in surprising ways. Sure, we’ve all shared laughs and good times, but as the years go by, I’ve noticed that the conversations get deeper, and the bonds grow stronger.

At 42, I’ve had conversations with my bros about stuff I never thought I’d be talking about—first colonoscopies, how our bodies are holding up (or not), and even laughing about how gravity’s doing a number on our droopy (or shrinking) balls and rounder bellies. Realizing I’m middle-aged now was a wake-up call, but honestly, it’s been kind of liberating to just own it.

But there’s another side to this too—the innate sexiness that comes with turning the corner into your 40s. It’s not just about how you look; it’s about the wisdom and confidence that come from having lived and learned. There’s something undeniably sexy about knowing when you’re at your best and when you’re not, and being man enough to tap out and let someone else take over if they’re better suited for the job. I’ve had my share of stepping up, thinking I knew everything, only to find myself in over my head. But that’s the beauty of getting older—you learn, you grow, and you carry that wisdom with you. And damn, that feels good. And somehow, I think it looks good too.

And yeah, I think it’s on us older guys to help guide the younger dudes into real adulthood. That’s a teacher-student thing, though. The real deep bonds, the understanding that comes from shared experience, that’s something you only get with guys your own age or older. It’s comforting to be around men who’ve been through the same trials, made the same mistakes, and come out the other side with the wisdom to show for it.

So, I’m curious—how has aging changed your bromances? Have you found that the conversations and connections have deepened? What surprising moments of intimacy have you discovered as you and your bros grow older together?