A random conversation I overheard in a coffee shop got me thinking about friendships. Two leggy young blondes with what sounded like Scandinavian accents were talking about the good times they were having on their Canadian adventure. They had obviously experienced every step of every story together, but that didn’t stop them from rehashing the whole trip, memory by memory, all over again; they were clearly head over heels in giggly best-friend love with each other and I have to admit, it was pretty darn heartwarming.
According to a 2003 survey by Human Resources and Skills Development Canada, the majority of citizens in this country have between one and five close friends or family members, about one-third of respondents have more, and 6.3% of Canadians have no close friends or family members. (I feel for that 6.3%; isn’t that the saddest?) There are many different types of friendships, but here are five that it would be hard for any woman to survive without.
The friend who knows you the best
My Scandinavian ladies were definitely this type: the gal who has been there since the beginning. She’s seen you through pimples and perms, traumas and triumphs. You’re honest with each other, even when it’s time for tough love. And it doesn’t matter if you see her every day or once a year — the bond between the two of you is the real deal, and nothing will ever change that.
The friend you instantly clicked with
You know the type: there’s just something about her that connected the two of you the minute you met. Whether it’s a shared interest or experience, or just straight-up kismet, you can’t imagine your life before she was in it. She may be a relatively new friend, or she might be one of your longest. But there’s no way you’re letting each other go.
The cheerleader friend
Everyone needs a little rah-rah boost, and some people are just naturally better at administering cheer than others. A cheerleader friend is positive and supportive, and (probably) won’t always give you the truth if they think it’s going to hurt. And that’s OK. After all, the cheerleader isn’t there to bring you down! That said, just remember that Pollyannas aren’t always as happy as they appear. Check in with your cheerleader to make sure everything’s OK in her corner, too.
The couple friends
If you’re in a serious relationship, it’s crucial to have couple friends. This twosome is your go-to plus two. You’re interested in the same things, have no trouble carrying conversations and, most importantly, you like each other as individuals. Couple friends are extra handy if you have kids: babysitting friends, in a pinch.
The friend you can let loose with
One of my personal favourites is the friend who will not judge you or your proclivity for straight-up socializing. It’s easy to just call her the “fun” friend, but that’s not a good enough description. This is the friend who lets you become someone else, encourages you to do something outside of your comfort zone (which includes trying new things of all sorts, not just shooters) and brings the party with her wherever she goes. She might not be the best in a crisis, but she’s a guaranteed good time, every time.
Do you have any of these friends — or all of them (lucky you!) — in your life? What are your top five friendship types?
Alicia Cox Thomson is a writer, digital and social media specialist, and PR consultant with a passion for pop culture, lifestyle and female-friendly content. Follow her @aliciahcox.
