7 Kinds of Friends You Need

We all need friends. Science has discovered that people without friends are more likely to die an early death. None of us wants to die an early death; we all want to live long and happy lives. So it is good to understand the role friendships play in helping us to achieve a happy life

I did some research and discovered that our friends can be classified into at least seven different types. To help us escape ruin and lead healthy and happy lives, we need a diverse, well-rounded mix of friends that will stick with us through thick and thin.

1. The Loyal Best Friend

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. Such a friend is rare to find, and in my opinion, it’s the only friend you need to stay sane. When you have found such a friend, do not let her or him get away.

2. The Fearless Adventurer

We live in a big world where there are so many places to see, people to meet, and experiences to be had — yet so many of us are stuck in our own routines and forget to, well, live. We all need an adventurous friend who will pull us out of our shells and remind us to explore exciting activities, like visiting places out of the city or exploring the town where we live.

3. The Brutally Honest Friend

There are certain situations in life when we need to hear the harsh truth. That’s what the brutally honest friend is for.

A friend of mine recently told me: “You are so stubborn.” The truth is, she was right. I am stubborn, sometimes, and it’s difficult to admit. Yet, her statement made me rethink my responses to her and to others in future.

4. A Wise Mentor

If you have someone smart, inspiring, and admirable in your life from whom you can learn, you’re extremely lucky.

We all need a friend who will allow us to become a new person without making us feel inadequate. The wise mentor is simply a few steps ahead of you in life and has enough wisdom and patience to guide you in the right direction.

Surprisingly, this person can sometimes be younger than you are.

5. Friend From a Different Culture

No-one wants to be stuck in their own ways. Being in a cross-cultural friendship allows you to explore customs, values and traditions outside of your own culture and it might lead you to even adopt new ways to do things.

6. A Friendly Neighbour

My neighbour of 34 years passed away a couple of months ago and I can truly say I have lost a most wonderful and helpful person.

We were both young when we moved into the neighbourhood and we grew together as neighbours and became friends. She was always there for me, for my immediate family and even my extended family. Everyone knew her and she was helpful and friendly to all. She helped me live a good life.

7. The Office Buddy

We spend a lot of our waking time at work. At least 50%, the experts say. So it makes sense that we have someone at work with whom we can chat and share our work challenges.

Work friends don’t necessarily have to become personal friends, but as many of us have experienced already, sometimes they actually do make good personal friends.

With a loyal best friend, a fearless adventurer, a brutally honest friend, a wise mentor, a friend from a different culture, a friendly neighbour, and an office buddy in your corner, you’re bound to escape ruin and live a long and happy life!