Friend

noun

1. a person whom one knows and with whom one has a bond of mutual affection

Friends come into our lives and out of them for so many different reasons. Throughout our lives we all have friends that play a more prominent role that others, our best friends that will stick with us forever. At the end of the day, we may not need every friendship to live, but we require friendship to thrive. Friends are the family we get to choose and if you’re like me you try to choose those who are going to make you a better person. Friends give us meaning in our lives and no matter what role they play they are some of the best parts of the world we live in. They’re all different but equally important!

1. The Straight Shooter.

There’s certain situations in life where we need to hear the harsh truth. There are very few people nowadays that will tell you exactly how they feel no matter how you’ll react. That’s what the straight shooter is for. If you’re in a rocky relationship and everyone’s telling you that it’s perfectly normal that you’re back with that special someone for the eighth time in the last two years, the straight shooter is there to yank your rose-colored glasses off and tell you, “Enough. Stop with all that break-up-and-get-back-together drama. You deserve better.” Friends are supposed to be honest with each other. If you find someone who is brutally honest with you (in a constructive way), then hold on to this person! People like that are hard to come by these days and you’re so lucky to have that kind of best friend.

2. The Fearless Fun Adventurer.

This friend often gets a bad rap as an enabler. They bring out the little kid in you, and never fail to make you smile. One of your wilder friends, they love to go out on the town and always want to bring you with them. They want you to relax, have a good time, and forget about the stress in your life. Since we live in a big world where there are so many places to see, people to meet, and experiences to be had, we all need an adventurous friend. They pull us out of our shells and introduce us to the new ideas, cultures, philosophies, and activities in the world around us.

3. The Talker.

Often, the talker tends to add a little spice to your life. They bring drama, but they keep you on your toes. You value the dynamic they add to your friendship, and they never fail to keep things interesting. Talkers force you to think about their motivations, and really adapt your perspective. Sometimes they’ll challenge you, but at the end of the day they will add something intangible to your life that would seem empty without them. Who else would you get all your information from?

4. The Gandhi.

The Gandhi is an inspiration and never seems to play by the rules. He or she will break the mold, but will always be the friend that will really make a difference in the world. They motivate you to be yourself, work hard, and be selfless. They work for non-profits, they speak loudly for their causes (with words and actions), and they teach you about the world around you in ways you could never imagine. They are the change they wish to see in the world.

5. The “Mom”.

This friend is your role model. She is mostly overprotective, but it’s only because she really cares about you and you can always talk to her. She is the one you text when you’re having a bad day and always listens to your ridiculous problems. She can tell you need a hug without you uttering a word. She forces you to think through all your decisions, and she always knows best (but let’s be honest, you don’t always listen). She’s loving, critical, and compassionate, and will always be there for you no matter what; she’s your mom away from home.

6. The Loyal Best Friend.

Sometimes a loyal best friend is the only thing you need to stay sane. Everyone needs a non-judgmental friend who will support them no matter what. This is the kind of friend who lets you be a hot mess and knows all of your deepest and darkest secrets, but still loves you all the same. Whether you have one or two of these kinds of friends or all six, they’re going to be some of the most important people you’ll have in your life. You need a diverse, well-rounded entourage that will stick with you through thick and thin, and you’re lucky to have these people.