Being the awkward nerd I am, I have never been incredibly popular – luckily, I never really wanted to be. I consider myself incredibly lucky that I can claim the few close friends that I do have, because having a close-knit group that really sticks together makes our friendship that much more special. I know that for any situation I am in, I will have someone to support and encourage me, and I will always love them no matter what happens in the future. So here are five of the types of best friends I’ve run into, which I believe I can speak most accurately about because they each encapsulate one of my current best friends. And to illustrate this point, I will present each of them with a Winnie the Pooh quotation that demonstrates why they matter so much – mainly because I just love Winnie the Pooh!
1. The Brother/Sister
person can probably fall into one or multiple of the other categories, but what
really sets them apart is that they are the person that you stick with no
matter how different you may seem or how crazy your relationship is. You simply
can’t imagine your life without them, and you know that even when they get on
your nerves, you will always keep them around. Being with them just feels like
you’re home. When you’re upset, angry or excited, they’re the first person you
want to share it with, because they are your biggest source of comfort. You
know you can be yourself because they have seen every ugly and wonderful part of
you, and they’ve actually chosen to stay. Because frankly, they’re just as
weird and crazy as you are.
2. The Loyal One
This person is the one that you know will always be by your side, no matter the circumstance. Whether you’re crying over relationship troubles or burying a body (not that either of these things are related in any way), they will be there with you. While this may seem like a stereotype, it really isn’t – this person is so much more than just loyal. When you can’t seem to stand up for yourself, they are your backbone, ready to assault anyone who hurts you with words and fists as necessary. When you need encouragement, they will remind you of all of the wonderful things about you. When you need to talk, they’ll listen to everything you say. They make you believe that not everything is temporary, and their willingness to commit to you in all your flaws is amazing and touching. They give you hope and faith in both your friendship and yourself.
3. The Intuitive One
This person is the one that understands and cares about you on an incredibly deep level. They are always there to listen when you need them, and they will provide whatever support you need, whether that’s advice or just a shoulder to lean on. They see just how special and unique you are, and they are willing to navigate the scary and strange parts of your mind with you. They understand you when you don’t understand yourself sometimes, and they are the ones with whom you can have the most personal conversations. They often act as your personal counselor and problem-solver, ready to help you puzzle through anything on your mind. They make discovering your inner and outer world a wonderful process that you don’t have to experience alone.
4. The Fun One
This person really does make life feel like an adventure. They are often the goofiest, most free-spirited person you know, and their carefree attitude lightens your heart and mind. With them, all of your troubles can fade, and you are able to take a break from stress to enjoy life. They push you to try new things and examine parts of yourself that you don’t normally notice are there. They remind you of the most exciting and lighthearted parts of life, teaching you to slow down and enjoy the wonderful little things. They are the ones that are beside you to create vivid memories. They are often incredibly weird but also confident about it, and they cannot help but make you smile.
5. The Mom
This person is much more than the name implies (although I may be biased since I am the mom of my group!), and while they are similar to the intuitive friend, they are also unique and different. They are often the heart of the group, stretching themselves to make sure every member of the group is loved and protected. They care deeply about how each of their friends feels and will do anything in their power to help them and make them happy. They are ready to be a source of comfort and encouragement, always pushing their loved ones to be the best they can be and trying their hardest to help them do it. Their sensitivity is an asset in relationships, as they can understand and appreciate others for their feelings and their unique personalities. They are the protector and defender of the flock, seeking to guide them but also going through the good and the bad alongside them.
So no matter which friend you are - whether you're one of these five, a combination or a different one entirely! - remember that you are seriously important. I know my best friends will see themselves in this, and I hope they realize just how special they are to me for these reasons and more! When friends are different, they are able to support each other's weaknesses and bolster each other's strengths, and the unique pieces fit together into a beautiful picture.
