The kinds of friends you have throughout your life can be so varied. I’ve put together a list featuring each letter of the alphabet that represents the different types of friends in life.
In my social circle of about 10 good friends, I know I can attribute each one of these letters to a friend. And I know which ones I’d pick for myself, but I wonder if my friends would agree?
Do I need different kinds of friends?
Different people add different things to your life.
They play a variety of different roles and sometimes cater to the different needs of your life.
Some of the great things different friends provide us:
- emotional support
- common interests
- shared experience
The kinds of people that we surround ourselves with should form our support system and have our best interests in mind. Maintaining meaningful social connections plays an important role in our lives.
Athlete
The athlete is good at many sports and most likely has a competitive streak.
They can beat you at your own game, even if it’s their first time.
With naturally fast reflexes, surprisingly flexible and maddeningly toned, you know you’ll probably lose against them, but it’s always fun to try new things.
Bookworm
The bookworm is an avid reader and will always divulge the deets of their current read.
They’re also great for recommending a good movie. After all, most movies are based on books anyway.
Cook
The cook is the best cook of the bunch.
You always want them to bring things when you get together, and you know which dishes are their best.
Jalapeno cobb loaf, I’m looking at you.
Dancer
The dancer puts everyone to shame when you go out for a night of dancing.
They may or may not have formal training, but they sure do have the moves like Jagger.
Eco-conscious
With the environment, climate change, and the impact of single-use plastic on their mind, they are a wealth of information.
And usually willing to share some insights on what you can do to make the world a better place.
They set a good example of what it’s like to be a better person, without being condescending.
Funny
Full of funny one-liners, great jokes, and wit beyond measure. Your funny friend will have you in tears laughing more often than not.
A fun friend to be around when you need to have some better mental health days.
Glamorous
They appear to have it all.
A handsome partner.
A high-flying career.
Designer stuff.
Not to mention the makeup that’s always on fleek.
Hugger
Yep. There is always one.
Hugs hello.
Hugs goodbye.
And hugs you when you look sad or make a bad joke. Their other skill includes knowing who is and isn’t a hugger.
Instigator
Always the one to start something.
A trend.
An adventure.
A game of truth or dare that nobody can win.
Or maybe even an argument.
The instigator is also usually the reason you all catch up; someone has to get the party started!
Joker
The Joker is always up for a laugh, especially at someone else’s expense.
They are pulling practical jokes, scaring people, and are all part of the Joker’s way of life.
Kinky
You might not know straight up which one of your friends fits into this category.
It might take a game of Never Have I Ever to bring them out into the open. The good thing is that when you find her, they will be the cause of numerous questions and hours of giggles.
They are sure to help you get out of your comfort zone.
Luxurious
Designer bag? Check.
An International holiday every year? Check.
European car? Check.
This friend type might like their money where they can see it, hanging in their closet.
Motivator
The motivator is the type of friend who is always ready to share some wisdom and point you in the right direction.
Either in the form of a quote or from some real-life experiences.
And sometimes you will get some motivation whether you like it or not.
Their heart is in the right place but can come off as a bit pushy sometimes.
Nature Lover
Often seen with bare feet, the nature lover can be spotted outside.
Whether they’re out for a bush walk or just soaking up the sun in their own backyard.
Ostentatious
They’ve worked hard for what they’ve got, so they show it off.
They might not be intending to rub it in, but on second thoughts, sometimes comes off that way.
They are often insensitive to a few topics like money, parenthood, and working hard.
Preacher
The preacher knows what’s right and they want you to know it too.
They think their views are more important than yours and try to change your mind.
Not all preacher friends are bad though, they are great for heated discussions.
Quiet
It takes a while to get to know a quiet friend, especially if you are in a group of four or more.
The quiet one prefers smaller groups, where the conversation is easier to manage.
They become quiet in larger groups, not knowing when it’s a good idea to add to the conversation.
Rubbish
We all have that one friend that is just a little bit rubbish. Or maybe really rubbish.
Rubbish at returning phone calls or texts and is constantly unreliable.
Sometimes you are not sure why you are still friends with this person.
They’re not quite a toxic friend or a fake friend, but you wonder if you’re in a one-sided friendship.
Then they go and do something amazing, redeeming the friendship for a little while.
Seasoned
The seasoned friend might be older or had quite a life before you met.
They know a lot about a lot of things, especially when it comes to the other sex, dealing with family members, and all-around adulting.
Talker
They can talk for hours.
Trying to get off the phone with them, you might just need to hang up.
This one can have a conversation with a brick wall and talk underwater. All at the same time.
Sometimes they can make a good listener. Because they will offer advice, just so that they can keep talking.
Unicorn
The unicorn friend is a rare breed.
They are a combination of all the things that make up great friendships
Easy to talk to, full of great advice, always makes you feel special, and knows the right things to say.
They are also a little bit magical.
Vociferous
A new word for me.
A vociferous person is loud and boisterous.
Do they have a mute button? No.
They don’t even have an off button, let alone a volume button.
They are loud, obnoxious, and occasionally just plain annoying.
Wild
Your wild friend always delivers a good time, but sometimes there is a cost.
A hangover.
An injury.
Some explaining to do to your housemate, partner or family.
There may even be a bet involved.
Xenodochial
Another new word I recently added to my repertoire.
The xenodochial is that one friend talks to and makes friends with strangers.
They are the ones most likely to make new friends in the bathroom at the club.
You might even be social media friends with one of these.
Youthful
Not necessarily the youngest, but they sure seem it sometimes.
They also keep you young with the latest trends in fashion and social media.
Zen
Nothing phases them, and they can go with the flow, wherever it takes them.
They often have a solution for your little problems and offer insights you never even thought of.
How many of these describe you or the people in your friend group? Do you know exactly which of your friends is a talker, book worm or motivator?
