As the famous writer, Edna Buchanan, once said “Friends are the family we choose for ourselves”, which is why the type of friend you choose to surround yourself with is so important. Whether you want a shoulder to cry on, or a partner in crime for a spontaneous night out, your friends are valuable to help you feel grounded and happy, and can often be as important to your well-being as your own family. Sometimes people can get caught up thinking about the quantity instead of the quality of friends they have, but here at CGD we’ve narrowed it down to 5 friends you need in your life!
1. The Truth Teller
You can’t beat a friend who will be completely honest with you, whether it’s telling you that those new jeans are less than flattering or what she thinks of your latest date, we all need the perspective of someone who is prepared to give you the brutal truth you may not be willing to admit to yourself.
Although complete uncensored honesty is not always welcome, sometimes it’s necessary if it will save you further pain in the future. The truth teller will openly tell you that you are wasting your time texting that guy who has still made no plans to take you on a date; it may not be what you want to hear, but it is usually what you need to know.
Often it can be hard to take the comments, but once you realise that behind the blunt, outspoken nature of the truth teller, she is speaking with the best intentions, then you’d be smart to seek out her perspective.
2. The Nurturer
The nurturer becomes the perfect friend to have by your side when you are in the middle of a crisis. She always knows what to do, whether she knows the best at home cold and flu remedy, or is on hand with a box of tissues after a painful breakup. The nurturer is strong and wise, making her presence so comforting in your time of need.
Since looking after those around her is her forte, she can sometimes be seen as trying to mother you. It is important to remember she is only trying to help, and you will be grateful for her kindness in the future, even if you fail to see it at the time. To maintain a healthy relationship with her, try not to let her practicality interfere with your self-esteem, and make sure you offer to take care of her once in a while, too.
3. The Uplifter
Her favourite word is yes. The uplifter is an eternal optimist who will support you no matter what, as long as that’s what makes you happy. When we are going through times of self-doubt, there is nothing better than having a truly positive friend around you to help you see even the smallest of silver linings.
You should be careful not to let her constant cheerfulness annoy you. If you are not ready to see the bright side just yet, just take a deep breath and realise your friend is only trying to help you stay positive.
4.The Partier
The partier comes in the form of your female wingman who is up for anything. Spontaneity is her middle name, she is the life and soul of any party, and no adventure is too big or last minute. She is up for a crazy weekend away, a double blind date or just a last minute night out to your favourite bar.
The partier will listen and laugh with you, whilst challenging you to abandon your rules and adopt her liberating and adventurous personality, even if it is just for a weekend. She is the kind of friend you need when you just want to go out and forget about all your cares and worries.
However as a natural free spirit, responsibility and organisation are not things that come naturally to her, so going to the partier for much needed career advice may not be the best idea.
5. The Unlikely Friend
As the famous writer, Anais Nin once said, “Each friend represents a world in us, a world possibly not born until they arrive, and it is only by this meeting that a new world is born.” This has never been more apt when it comes to describing the unlikely friend; this is the friend who adds to your life by being so different to you.
Whether you and your friend are different in terms of relationships, careers, values, humour, or interests, this kind of variety helps to add richness to your life. Some may say it means you have nothing to talk about, but in fact it means you have far more to talk about and a lot more to learn, while being reminded that different perspectives and points of view exist. Finding a friend who is so different to you can be extremely rewarding, as it challenges you whilst helping you grow as a person.
So, what kind of friend are you?
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xx CGD team