10 TYPES OF FRIENDS YOU NEED IN YOUR LIFE

It's no secret that friendships contribute to a happier, healthier life, but have you given any thought to the types of friendships you have and how they affect your life? 

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Think about it this way, when you have a big decision to make, who do you call? When you're feeling down and out, which one of your friends do you turn to? The truth is, each of your friends has different qualities that you rely on – in good times and the tough moments. And whether we'd like to admit it or not, we all need different types of friends to keep our lives in balance and our sanity intact. Here are the ten types of BFFs you need to keep your heart happy and your days sunny.

1. THE BRUTALLY HONEST 

There are times in life where we need the truth, no matter how difficult it may be to hear. A real friend, the brutally honest one, won't sugar coat what needs to be said. In an unstable, toxic relationship? This friend will tell it like it is and bring you right back to reality, in a constructive way. They care about you more than you realise and will tell you what everyone else didn't dare. Their truth is both refreshing and could hurt your ego, but their intentions are clear and in time, you'll realise this type of friend will ultimately make you a better person.

Think: Jennifer Hudson as Effie White in Dreamgirls

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2. THE WORK BUDDY

If you think about it, you spend most of your day at work. Even before you get to work, you think about your to-do list or how to solve a niggling problem. Sometimes you may spend long hours at the office chasing that promotion. Working from home also has its fair share of challenges like working through problems in isolation or finding ways to stay motivated and focussed. Having someone to chat to that's facing the same challenges as you are, goes a long way to boost your mood. Your work buddy may not be your BFF, but they’re someone you can relate to. And let’s be honest, who doesn't love a good vent now and then?

Think: Tiffany Haddish as Mia Carter in Like A Boss

3. THE COMPLETE OPPOSITE

Humans are often creatures of habit, and we tend to drift towards what we know and what we like. Having a friend from a different culture with varying beliefs, interests, and views is a wonderful way to open your eyes and mind to what could be. This friend will enrich your life in ways you never knew – you’ll learn and grow to see things from different perspectives.

Think: Issa Rae as Issa Dee in Insecure

4. THE MENTOR

We all need a friend who inspires us to be better without making us feel like a lesser person. The mentor in your life should be someone who can guide you in the right direction – someone who’s a few steps ahead of you – someone you want to be. Their words are like gold to you, and every conversation with them fills you with purpose and endless ideas. This friend will inspire and encourage you to always do great things.

Think: Tracy Ellis-Ross as Joan Clayton in Girlfriends

5. THE NURTURER

This friend is like your other mom. They will bring you chicken soup when you are sick and accept you with open arms when you need to have a good cry. The nurturer is your rock – you know they'll be there for you no matter what. This friend is often the voice of logic and is only looking out for your best interests, even if you think they're a bit of a party pooper.

Think: Loretta Devine as Gloria Matthews in Waiting To Exhale

6. THE NON-JUDGEMENTAL ONE

This is the friend with who you can be your true self. They've seen you at your worst and your best. You know they won't ever judge you, no matter what you've done – and it is this quality that makes you want to call them as soon as you have good or bad news. If you're lucky enough to have someone like this in your life, treasure them.

Think: Queen Latifah as Sasha Franklin in Girls Trip

7. THE DEFENDER

Some friends will defend you in your presence, and some will have your back even you're not around. These are the defenders. Think about it. There's a group of people talking about you, saying things that aren't true, possibly even malicious. If your defender is in their presence, they would step in and set the record straight without giving it a second thought. A friend who defends you when you're not around is priceless.

Think: Taraji P Henson as Katherine Johnson in Hidden Figures

8. THE CRAZY ONE

We all need a friend who we can sing with at the top of our lungs, anytime, anywhere. Our crazy friend makes us laugh until our belly hurts and takes us on the wildest adventures. This friend brings buckets of laughter and fun into your life and in case you forgot, that's the best medicine to stomp out stress.

Think: Tasha Smith as Angela Williams in Why Did I Get Married?

9. THE LISTENER

Not everyone is gifted with this rare quality, but when you find someone who is, your heart and soul will thank you for it. This friend will listen to it all – the good, the bad, the uncomfortable, and the heart-breaking. When you talk to them, they're attentive, their presence is soothing, and while they may not always know what to say, they try their best to be there for you in the best way they know how: by listening.

Think: Tyler Perry as Madea (Mabel Simmons) in Diary of A Mad Black Woman

10. THE OTHER PEA IN YOUR POD

It's great having different types of friends, with varying interests, but sometimes all you want is someone who will talk to you about... running, for example. This friend will run with you, keep you updated about the latest shoe trends and remind you about upcoming races. You two share a common interest, and it's great because you finally found someone who loves what you love!

Think: Stacey Dash as Dionne Marie Davenport in Clueless or Sarah Jessica Parker as Carrie Bradshaw in Sex and the City