I've been giving a lot of thought to friendship lately. What makes a good one? What makes a bad one? What are the different kinds of friends out there in the world?
As a result of all this thinking (whew! my brain is tired!!), I've come up with a list of friend types that I think every woman should have on speed dial. I am blessed with at least one friend of each kind.
- The Laugher - This is the friend that always makes you laugh. No matter what is going on, she manages to find the humor in the situation. In a formal setting, you have to avoid her eyes or you will both laugh inappropriately at the same moment. Just being around her makes you feel lighter - as if all the cares you had when you walked in have floated away.She's not shallow. She does know how to be serious and deal with life. But she sees the value in laughter and shares it freely with you.
- The Cheerleader - This friend believes you can do anything! Every venture is already a reality. Every idea is a gold mine. There is nothing you can't accomplish. She is the one you go to when you decide to start a blog. She tells you just how great you will be at it and how completely equipped you are to rule the blogosphere.
- The Empathizer - This friend feels your pain and shares your joy. Your enemies are her enemies, and your friends are her friends. If you are hurt, she rushes to soothe your pain and offers to inflict real pain on whoever hurt you. If you have a victory, she throws you a party.
- The Advisor - This is the friend you call when you don't know what to do. Should your child be allowed to see that movie? How do you support your husband best at his new job? Did I handle that situation with our mutual friend ok? She is the one you call with all of life's big questions. And she almost always has the answers.
- The Opposite - This friend does almost everything opposite of how you do it. As people, you are very similar, but your choices couldn't be more diametrically opposed. Because you get along as people, your opposite choices cause you both to think. As you think about the choices you make and why you make them, you become a better version of yourself. Along the way, you both laugh at the differences between you and relish the similarities.
- The Adventurer - This friend is always ready for whatever is next. A spur-of-the-moment shopping trip? She's in. A late night Outback cheese fries craving? She'll drive. A cake decorating class? Sign her up. Whether it's your idea or her idea, every idea is an opportunity for fun that should not be passed up.
The best part about these friends? They don't just fit one description all the time. Each one of the wonderful ladies in my life can fill many of these different positions. Sometimes the Laugher is my Advisor. And sometimes the Advisor is my Cheerleader. Thank God they aren't one-dimensional women. And thank God they all put up with me!
How did I do? Did I miss a must-have friend type?
P.S. If you are listed above (and you know who you are) THANK YOU!! I love you!
