Think about your family TV show, your favorite movie or your favorite book-- now think about your own friend circle. Friends can come in and out of your life, some are gold, some are silver, some last forever and some are unfortunately, only temporary. We don't need friends to survive but we need them to thrive.
Every friend you've ever had plays an important role in your life and has shaped you in some sort of way. No friend will ever be the same-- but maybe we all have certain friends that have the same roles in our life.
Here are the nine friends you know, you love and you might even hate sometimes.
1. The Mom/Dad
Come on, we all have this friend. They're overprotective and will always have your back. They watch out for the entire friend group. They're often the one who drives all your drunken asses home. They're the shoulder to cry on, the responsible one, the one who stays in on Thursdays to study-- but they'll definitely jump out of bed to rescue you from any situation you put yourself in. Hold onto this friend, they genuinely care about you and love you. They're a keeper.
2. The Shot Caller
This friend could also be known as the ring leader. They're crucial to your friend group because everyone is pretty neutral and sometimes it's hard to make decisions-- what are we going to do tonight, where should we go out to eat, what's our next move? This friend has their mind made up and will make vital group decisions. They usually step up to this role because they have natural leadership qualities and quite frankly-- they can be a little bossy sometimes. But that's okay because they don't care if things go wrong and you blame them for it, they'll take the fall and then rise again to "fame" tomorrow with a better plan.
3. The Party Animal
This is that friend that's always down to go out. Feeling sad, going through a break up or failed your midterm? Don't worry, this friend will show with the tequila, the party games and the best music to dance the night way to. You don't have to ask them twice about hitting up the bar or the club this weekend-- they will be there. This friend is a lot of fun, always looking out for you but sometimes you need time to relax and binge-watch that new season of Stranger Things on Netflix and this is not the friend to plan that with. These friends typically come and go whenever and wherever the party is.
4. The 'Words of Wisdom' Friend
When you're seeking advice or maybe even a study buddy, this is the friend you'll go to. They always know what to say to make you feel better. They have your best interest and will listen to your problems with an open mind and give you the advice you may not want to hear, but instead, that you need to hear. These are lifelong friends, so hold them close. Plus-- they really know you, they're always looking out.
5. The Social Butterfly
You love this friend because there is never a dull moment. Honestly, you can probably never shut them up. They always have something to say and usually it's pretty funny. They're the friend you can bring to a family event and everyone immediately loves them. There isn't an awkward moment of silence with them. They have all the jokes, know all the answers to trivia and know all the party tricks. They're a good time and always a good friend to have around.
6. The No Show
This is the flakey friend. They always say they're coming out, they hype you up for plans and then ditch last minute. And maybe you should ditch them too but it's hard because whenever they do decide to join the plans-- they're a really good time! Sometimes they don't even mean to ditch, they just took a nap or they didn't check their phone, but they're known for not showing up. They're fun when they're around, just don't count on it often.
7. The WIfey/Hubby
Always in a relationship, always seeing someone, always dating or always looking-- this is the friend that's in love with being in love. The longest you've ever seen them single was probably 24 hours, if that! This is the friend that's in a long term relationship and that's okay but sometimes you take a backseat to their significant other. You'll miss them when they're not around and sometimes they pass up hitting the club or wine night because their significant other already "claimed" them for the evening. But, when they are around, it's like nothing ever changed; they're like the savory dessert you get to have once a week. You wait all week for it and as soon as you get it- it's like it's gone. And you'll have to wait until next week to have it again.
8. The Drowning in School/Work Friend
This is the driven friend. They're so into their nursing homework and that new manager job they got, that it's hard to make plans with. They're driven, talented and so smart. You're almost a little envious that it seems like they have their crap together so well. This is that friend that's going places in life and you can't wait to see them succeed. They're independent but they know they're lucky to have a friend like you.
9. Rocky Balboa
The nickname speaks for itself. This is the friend that no one messes with. If you ever need back up, this is who you call. They have your back and will always defend you. No one messes with their loved ones and you're lucky to have them in your circle, they would never let someone hurt you. They'll defend you even if they're wrong.They're notorious for giving your significant other the "you hurt them, I hurt you" speech and you're grateful for it every time you hear it. Whenever there's a commotion at the bar, you have to check for this friend because they're known for getting into bar fights and tassels.
We all have our special group of friends, they're all unique and important to us. After all, without our friends, where would we be? Now the question is, which friend are you?
