It's approaching the end of my first semester at college, and I've made some incredible friends along the way. One of the main things I've noticed within my friend group is that everyone seems to have a different role, whether that be the one who tends to make the plans or the one who keeps everyone on track. I thought for a while that it was just us, but I'm learning that friends in every group have different roles, and this article is written to help identify those roles. Breaking out of those roles isn't necessarily difficult, but I always think it's both interesting and fun that we are set in our role and keep it for the most part.
1. The Parent
Bear in mind that not everyone wants to be referred to as the "parent". Sometimes, the title will be held with pride, but other times, they will regret it. Although pretty self - explanatory, the parent takes care of everyone. They are the one to make sure everyone is doing well and take care of others when it's been a rough day or night.
2. The Daredevil
The daredevil is the friend that is always up for an adventure. They are willing to do anything, no matter how stupid, and they always find a way to drag you into it. The daredevil is fun and a risk taker, but sometimes needs the parent to keep them grounded.
3. The Peacekeeper
Regardless of how put-together and coherent your friend group is, arguments are bound to occur. No one likes when they do, but it's going to happen. The peacekeeper is the friend who tends to stay neutral. They are usually calm but will state their opinion when they believe an argument isn't worth having.
4. The Boss
From companies to countries, everything has a boss, even your friend group. As is easy to understand, the boss is the decision maker. In large groups of friends, making plans gets increasingly difficult with all of the different personalities floating around, and the boss' job is to make a decision and stick with it. It's nearly impossible to please everyone, so their job is to pick the one that will make the most people happy.
5. The Busy-Bee
In all friend groups, there is going to be at least one person who has a lot going on. Whether they're working, have more homework than most, or a combination of the two, they are the friend that you won't always see. The wonderful thing about a large friend group is that even when the busy-bee isn't around, there are still others to hang out with. When this person is around though, effort is made to make sure the group is doing what they want. Even if they show up late at night when they just get out of work, it's acknowledged that no one goes to bed until they leave because spending time with them, while not rare, doesn't happen as much as everyone would like.
6. The Planner
In any group of people, making plans is tough. Everyone wants something different and even if there's a boss to make a decision, one person has to put an idea out there first. Whether it's deciding where to go to dinner or picking a movie for all to watch, the planner has the job of laying out the options. They take everyone's opinions into account and narrow it down to just a few choices. If they play the role of the boss too, they'll pick one. If not, they'll organize and then vote on their favorite just like everyone else.
7. The Fashionista
Regardless of gender, there is going to always be one person in your group who always looks put together. Whether you see them at 8 in the morning or 11 at night, their makeup will always be on point and their outfit looks as good as it did when they first bought it. The fashionista often moves at a slower pace than the others simply because it takes them time to put their outfit together. At the same time, no matter how slow they move, they are envied by all for their ability to always look nice. In fact, the group might make an effort to take a bit more time getting ready in the morning due to some friendly advice from the fashionista.
8. The Lover
The lover of the group is the one trying to set the others up with someone. Whether single or taken, they always have everyone's best interests at heart. They will be off in their assumptions sometimes, but they never mean any harm. In fact, the lover might get it right sometimes and you'll be grateful.
9. The Bae
The word "bae" alone is slightly bothersome, but at some point, someone in the friend group will get a boyfriend, girlfriend, or at least have a friend they want to be in that role. Regardless, that person will begin spending more and more time with the group. Everyone knows that if they don't get along with your friends, the chance of dating isn't super high, but either way, they'll be there to get to know everyone and so you can get to know them. They won't be a founding member of your group, but hopefully they'll fit in just fine.
Even if you don't fit into one of these roles, you probably know someone who does. There's nothing better than friends you can count on, but it's also interesting to recognize who does what in your group.
