6 Types of Friends You Should Have

Published on: January 1, 2021 (Updated on: August 7, 2024)

There are 6 types of friends you should have. No man is an island. We all need friends to make the best of life. Friends that we can rely on and trust. We need people that would have our backs even when we are not there. People who will push us to be better. Best of all, we also need to be the kind of friend that people dream to have. You know why? You can only attract the kind of person that you are.

So, when it comes to making friends and keeping them in our close circles, it is important to choose the right association. Not everyone should be your best friend.

Here’s the thing: you are allowed to have as many acquaintances as possible. But when it comes to real friends or friendship, your association matters a lot.

1. A successful friend

The truth is that when it comes to being friends with people who are already achieving the things that we want in life, we feel threatened. Most times, all we want to do is prove to the person and the rest of the world that we can equally do what they are doing, and even do better.

Here’s an honest piece of advice. Instead of feeling threatened, how about becoming friends with them? If they are succeeding in that field already, it means that there are certain principles that they know and apply. It’d be wise to learn from them by spending more time with them. Learn how to think like them and see the world from their lenses.

Note that being friends with someone isn’t the same as using them. Your goal here isn’t to use them to get to the point, but to learn from them. For a friendship like this to work, however, you also need to be a person of value, meeting a need of theirs.

2. A friend that challenges you

Life is certainly not a bed of roses. You won’t always get all that you want. For those that you get, they won’t all come easily. Sometimes, you’ll get tempted to give up in quest to find fulfilment and live a purposeful life.

However, having someone who believes in you, your potential, and nudges you to keep going in spite of challenges, is something you shouldn’t take for granted. If you don’t already have such friends, then you need to identify them and keep them close. You’ll be glad you did.

Note that you can’t expect certain standards from people and give the same. It has to be a win-win friendship.

3. A loyal friend

A loyal friend is the kind of friend that will always do what’s best for you, whether you are aware of it or not. These kinds of friends are people that let you be your real self. They will never judge you or make you feel bad. These are friends who have seen you at your lowest and still believe you’ve got all that it takes to win. They won’t only cheer you on, but be there to support you until you get to your destination. Their commitment to you isn’t based on feelings but decisions.

4. A friend that mentors you

A mentor friend is a leader. A person that can guide you and put you back on the right track whenever you feel lost. A mentor friend is someone who is wise and intelligent. Most importantly, they want what’s best for you, so they are always ready to help you when you come to them for help.

Note that for them to help you, you have to seek their help. They are not necessarily close by all the time, but they are available to help you.

5. A friend from a different culture

Having a friend or friends from another culture helps to improve your exposure. The more exposed your mind is, the higher your tendency of becoming successful in life. Do you know why? You are able to explore customs, values and traditions of other people. Don’t be stuck in your ways only.

6. A friend who truly loves you

How would you like your friends to react when you share some good news with them?

Again, no man is an island. Yes, we want to succeed and do great things, but we also want to be able to share those things with people that truly care about us.

Here’s a tip; to get people to genuinely care about you, you have to, first of all, care about them.