If you’re like most 20-something year olds, then you probably have your great core group of friends. You know the “squad”, “posse”, or as I describe mine, “the wolf-pack” (those sounded a lot cooler in my head). Well, in every friend group, there are certain roles that everyone falls into. There are a lot, so feel free to sit back, while I do my best to describe each. Also, I need it to be known that you can fit into multiple roles, so have fun trying to figure out which one you are.
The Leader — For some reason, he has power. It’s like you are living in a bad TV sitcom from the 90’s because this guy always has some crazy adventure for you to go on which leads you to trouble. They are usually the one who starts the group chat and leaves it to everyone else to figure out all the logistics (usually falls onto the “Group Parent”)
The Parent — Also known as the buzzkill in some groups. This is the person who has the highest levels of responsibility. They are most likely the ones reigning in the stupid yet fun ideas of the group, and sometimes may carry an emergency bag full of everything you need, including permission slips. Your parents or guardians have always trusted this person because, well they are the only one of your friends who didn’t just go along with the stupid plans of the group. Most of the time you can find them trying to make sure that everyone is having a good time, or they are trying to stop the “Dumb One” from dying.
The Dumb One — Everyone has this group member. He’s the guy who you invite because you’ve known him since middle school, however, it doesn’t seem like he’s matured any since then. Every idea he has sounds good for about five seconds, until you use common sense and logic to strike it out from the plans. As long as you don’t listen to him too much, you should be good.
The Broke Friend — We’ve all been this guy so everyone can understand this guy’s plight. This is the friend who’s great to hang out with, but you guys can only do cheap or free things. You don’t care though because he makes the night great and you forget that he doesn’t have a job. You however don’t forget that he owes you $50 from all the times you’ve spotted him, however, you know he will pay you back.
The Annoying Friend — This guy is only in the group by a thread. You hang out with him because he’s friends with someone’s sister or you’ve known him so long. His downside (which is a big one) is that he’s really annoying, like almost gets punched in the mouth every time you see him. He sometimes can be depressing, condescending, or just ignorant.You always make plans to not invite him, or kick him out, but by some magic he is always with you for the big plans. Probably because he is paying for the broke friend. You keep him around because you generally care, you just don’t invite him to everything.
*Important Note — Don’t ever be a combination of the broke and annoying friend because that will leave you with no friends
Mr. Nightlife — Somehow this guy knows everything that is going on. When the weekend comes you know he has something for your group to do. He has the hookup and invites for everything that is going on. You’re pretty sure he hypes some events up a little too much, but the fact that he always has something for you guys to do makes you happy. He is always showing up with the flirt. He dances, sings, can handle his alcohol, and is generally a good time. His only fault is he wants to party every day of the week. Doesn’t he know you have to work in the morning?
The Flirt — This is the pretty guy of the group. He somehow always has a girl or has girls walking over to him. He tries his best to play wing man, but he’s bad at it considering he’s never had to try. He always shows up to the party and escapes with a blonde, then a brunette, and then a redhead. You’re better off telling him to sit in the corner with just one girl. You love him though because he introduced some of your bros to their girlfriends, which brings me to the next role.
Mr. Committed —This guy is a dad and he is only like 23. He met his girlfriend and they’ve been inseparable for the last year or so. You already refer to them as the married couple, and expect to be in their wedding. It’s just a matter of time until he has kids and a house. Thank God his girlfriend likes his friends, it’d be bad if she didn’t.
The Ghost — Not much can be said about this weird friend. He’s only around sometimes. He went to some far away school, and now you don’t get to see him that often. When he does come around he has stories to tell you about his past, and you love hearing them.
The Workaholic — This is the friend who seems to never take a day off. He is working so much and saving so much money it seems like he never goes out. When he does though it’s crazy because, well... he pays for everything. You and the broke friend are happy about that. The thing is, you never really know what he does for a job.
The Recluse — This is the friend who you question if he is alive because, well, you never see him, and the few times he does go out — he disappears. Sometimes you wonder if he’s a spy or something, but you never ask because that’d be rude.
The Crazy One — This is the guy who has no chill. He gets into fights, curses out people, and he’s crazy. You keep him around because you’ve had this guys back and he’s had yours. He isn’t a bad guy, he just doesn’t take any crap from anyone who comes at you and your friends.
The Nerd — This is the nerdy tech guy. He is basically a genius, but he has his quirks. He isn't full blown geek, but he speaks Klingon and has a subscription to Crunchyrole. He embraces his nerdiness and that gives him a huge level of charm.
Folks, those are some of the personalities that every friend group has. There are more, but these are the basics that every squad has and needs. Now the question is: which one are you?
