It really takes a bit of trial and error, mixed with some careful curation, to carve out the ideal friendship group that’s meant just for you. The people who are perfect as a friend for someone else might not your cup of tea, and vice versa. On that same note, the people who are with you in your twenties might not follow you to your thirties. And the people who followed you to your thirties might not be a good fit for your forties. Though none of this can be planned or predicted, you can still recognize and value the kind of person that’s worth keeping in your life. Here are five types of friends who will be quintessential to your eat, pray, love journey.
The ‘No-Judgment Here’ BFF
This is the person you want in your corner, always. I like to think of them as the most important kind of friend. When things get a little not-so-awesome in life, a true friend is one that showers you with love and support, even when you may not be your best self.
Some friends will consistently give you their black and white points of views, and in some situations, that is very much needed. However, it’s a good idea to keep your ‘no judgment here’ friend on standby. They’re the friend who asks the tough questions, but doesn’t crucify you for your decision-making. They’re the friend who doesn’t blow smoke up your bum, and sometimes will help you see that your boyfriend/boss/parent actually has a good point. They will always have your back, help you to see things from a different perspective, and encourage to keep evolving, all at the same time.
The ‘In It for the Long-Run’
Everyone needs a friend who has been in their life since the beginning of time (or will be there ’til the end). Whether this be a childhood friend or a college friend, or even someone you met in your 20s. This is the friend who knows you better than you know yourself. They can nail every quiz question about you and our major life moments: the who, what, when, where, and why. Need to recall a funny story that happened back in 8th grade but can’t remember all the deets? Don’t worry, this life-long friend has the full backstory in their memory bank. They have seen you in your strongest and weakest moments and will be there for it all, no matter what.
The ‘At a Different Place in Life’
If you’re single (or in a relationship), she’s married. Or you don’t have kids, she’s a mom. Maybe even you’re selling all of your stuff and planning to travel for the next couple of years, she just bought a house. You see where I’m going with this? This friend gives you a look into the various stages of life that can be in your future (or not). There’s nothing wrong with learning from the women who are traveling down a different path than you. Sure, coordinating schedules can be a task in and of itself. But try to get together occasionally and laugh about all the fun times you’ve shared together, and create new memories along the way.
The ‘Paint the Town Red’
You’ve probably got a social butterfly friend like this already. When you need to hit the town and let your hair down a bit, you know they will get you out of your PJs and into someone’s bar. Just call them, and they’ll for sure be up for anything and be down for a good time. Their enthusiasm is contagious, and you will always have a good time in their company. You can rely on them to join in and dance hard to your favorite song from 2004 as soon as the beat drops. They thrive on socializing and are happy to have you as their plus one.
The ‘Go-Getter’
This is the friend who has a penchant for living life to the fullest and succeeding at everything they set out to do. They’re doing their thing professionally and a complete badass who inspires you to achieve whatever it is you want. They’ll give you all of their tips on time management and *solicited* feedback on your new business idea.
This barely scratches the surface of all of the many types of friends you should keep in your life. Which friend are you?