8 Types of Friends You Need In Life

Written by Ronnekia Johnson

“The only way to have a friend is to be one.” - Ralph Waldo Emerson

How do you know if you have the right people in your life? Is there a list of requirements? Is it a feeling that you just “know”? Do you ever feel like you’re missing out on having certain types of friends, and, alternatively, do you ever wonder if you really need some people in your life?

One of the Oxford definitions of friendship is: A state of mutual trust and support between allied nations. While, obviously, I know that we as human beings are not countries, I still love this definition of friendship. A state of mutual trust and support. It does not go into detail. It does not list requirements or ultimatums. It’s simple: I trust and support you, and vice versa. In this world full of demands and expectations, your friendships should give you the support and empowerment you need to help make it through this life, with as little stress and as much joy as possible.

It’s no secret that different people provide us with different things in life. Just like they say we should not depend on our partners to give us every single thing we need in life; we should not expect our friends to be able to either. Even still, you will probably notice that some of your friends are a combination of many of these things, which is an even greater blessing!

Here are the eight types of friends you need to survive in this life:

1. The Soul Mate

What is a friend? A single soul dwelling in two bodies. – Aristotle

It is hard to be comfortable with someone who does not share the same ideologies with you or the same interests. Being friends with your soulmate will prove that friendship is nothing but sharing. Your soulmate shares the same life goals as you and the same sentiments about important things. They make you feel a sense of calmness whenever you are around them because they will always be able to understand the depths of you.

2. The Pillow Confidant

A real friend is one who walks in when the rest of the world walks out.” - Walter Winchell

Life is tough, and there is no question about that. We all encounter challenges in life and not everyone is willing to hear all your stories about it. Some will find it exhausting, but a friend who is willing to be your pillow confidant will stick with you, even when you cry your eyes out in front of them. This type of friend will always be there for you to hear your rants and even cry with you. They will always understand that you need someone to be with you, even though you push people away when you are not okay. They will always remind you that it’s never wrong to not be fine about how life is treating you. They will always be there to patiently listen. 3. The Fun Buddy “Friendship is precious, not only in the shade but in the sunshine of life. Thanks to a benevolent arrangement, the greater part of life is sunshine.” - Thomas Jefferson After a tiresome day at work or after receiving good news, you will need someone who is willing to uplift your spirit or join you in victory. A buddy who is always up for fun and positivity will never fail to light your life up. He or she will remind you that you deserve to unburden your chest with heavy things and remind you to let loose and have fun! These are the friends who encourage you to take that spontaneous weekend trip to the beach or invite you on an ice cream date when it’s a little too hot outside. The Fun Buddy is there to remind you to live a little and not take life so seriously.

4. The Loyal Comrade

Lots of people want to ride with you in the limo, but what you want is someone who will take the bus with you when the limo breaks down.” - Oprah Winfrey

Through the hard times in life, you will need, not just a listener, but a friend who will stick by your side no matter what happens. This loyal person will stay true and real to you, as a commitment to your friendship. They will help you feel worthy at your lowest of lows. They will never feel jealous about your achievements in life, rather, they will join you in your venture to success and growth. You will see this person as your constant and as essentially faithful to you.

5. The Wise Pal

The language of friendship is not words but meanings.” - Henry David Thoreau

We must acknowledge that we are not always right. We still have so many things to learn and unlearn. Life is a journey, which is filled with learnings that produce meaningful encounters. That said, we need someone who will guide us and impart, not just knowledge, but also wisdom to us. A wise friend will help you to make constructive criticisms about yourself for you to develop and continuously grow and will help you to make careful decisions that will create a big impact in your life. A wise person is made, not born. Therefore, this type of pal is full of experience and has a wide perspective of things that will help you evaluate and go on confidently in life.

6. The Neighboring Partner

Don’t walk behind me; I may not lead. Don’t walk in front of me; I may not follow. Just walk beside me and be my friend. - Albert Camus

A lot of times, we may not always need a defender or a hero, but just a mere presence of someone. That presence brings a kind of tranquility that no other person can give you. The one where you don’t have to do, be, or say anything at all, you can just exist. That comfortable silence, that calming presence will make you feel secure. This person can give you and share with you the peace he or she carries, and that makes this friend a reliable one in both good and hard times. Hand in hand, you will walk together with a sense of comfort.

7. The Honest Confidant

“Being honest may not get you a lot of friends, but it’ll always get you the right ones.” - John Lennon

Sometimes we just need someone to tell us how it is. A (mostly) objective person who doesn’t have an emotional investment in our problems. An honest person whose motive is not to harshly break you down, but provide you with reasoning that you don’t always want to come to terms with. Sometimes, we are just a little too much of something, and this friend is there to offer alternate perspectives and help keep you grounded in reality. You will notice their love for you by being reasonable and truthful. Get an honest friend and be confident that they will help remind you to have at least one toe on the ground, as you reach for your goals.

8. The Opposite Ally

Different roads sometimes lead to the same castle.” - George R.R. Martin

One of the most important things in life is balance. You can never have the full potential of power and success in life without balance. Therefore, you will need someone who will give you a different view of things, so that you can learn to respect and welcome the different types of people with which you are sure to come in contact, whether in your business or in life. An opposite version of yourself will help you see things in a different perspective, which will ultimately help you have an open mind. An open mind is a healthy mind because this means that you are breaking through the self-imposed barriers and that you are striving to learn and appreciate the wonders of this life. You and your opposite ally may not always agree, but they will never fight with you or belittle you. This person will help expose you to the diversity and the beauty and uniqueness that the world offers.

Now that you know eight types of friends that you need in life, can you recognize some of these friends in your life? Is there any one from the list that you have that you should reach out to and rekindle, or that you don’t have just yet? Remember, too, you don’t have to force these friendships either! Just like with business, and everything else in life, sometimes you have to pave the way for great things and people to come into your life. Start within yourself; start by being the friend that you need. If you want someone and are looking for a friend who possesses the qualities mentioned here, then it’s safe to assume the same goes for others. Don’t forget that friendship is a state of mutual trust and support; people count on you to possess these same friendship qualities too!