Do you sometimes feel alone? Misunderstood? Wishing you had more friends or at least more people who understand you?
You’re not alone…in fact, most people feel exactly the same way! Isn’t that ironic how we all feel alone and yet can’t seem to find common ground or people that “get us” individually?
And yes, to some extent finding a group of people that share your interests is the first step. However, everyone longs for closer friendships in life, not just more shallow acquaintances or “friends of friends.”
One thing that might help is finding “types of friends” that most people make in life. It’s no coincidence that we all seem to meet similar sets of friends as we age, so-called “types of friends” that we happen to run into. Only it’s not a coincidence. We find these friends on purpose because they fill a need. We project energy and we attract them or follow them.
So let’s keep an open mind as we consider 10 friend types we usually meet in life. Don’t be surprised if your own list of friends is very similar to this one.
1. A Soulmate
This friend is your true “mate”, though that doesn’t always mean a romantic or even sexual relationship. Soulmates are sometimes platonic friends, sometimes even same-sex friends.
The good news is, this person understands you completely. You connect emotionally, respect each other, and love each other almost unconditionally. They get you. And you need someone on your side.
2. A Twin Flame
This is person is oftentimes a romantic interest, or at least a platonic or family relationship that gets extremely intense. Twin flame friends are volatile, because you are, in a way, “opposite sides of a coin.” You have shared experiences, shared pains, and are essentially the “same soul” in two different bodies. Because of this dynamic, your feelings for each other tend to be hot and cold, and sometimes opposite of each other. You also tend to get together, break up, and then reaffirm your relationship later on. (Again, not always romantic but oftentimes it is)
3. A Kindred Spirit
A kindred spirit is simply a friend that gets you, has stuff in common with you, and generally brings some genuine friendship into your life – minus the drama. While you might think “I’d love to have hundreds of these kinds of friends!”, the truth is, it’s not very common that you do meet a kindred spirit. So when you find someone compatible, keep them close to your heart.
4. A Lifetime Best Bud
Lifetime “best friends” (but not always THE best, you know how that goes!) usually come to us when we’re very young. We grow up around them and they sort of bounce back and forth into our lives. Maybe your lifetime friend only calls when he/she needs something. Or maybe you just talk every few weeks or months, just to catch up. The longevity is nice. It’s nice to have a friend for life, even if you don’t confide in this person every day.
5. A Loyal BFF
A loyal BFF is someone you click with more naturally than the lifetime best friend. He/she may be a fairly recent friend, but they seem to love you unconditionally – and it’s not romantic or sexual. You need a friend. Your BFF needs a friend. That’s why you get along so famously! The best part is, this friend is always loyal and is the first one to take your side of things.
6. An Adventurer
The adventurer friend is someone who loves to travel or go places and enjoys your company – when you’re doing interesting things. Don’t take it personally if you never bond deeply with this person. He/she just likes the adventure, and will very often get you out of the house and trying new things. Keep in touch with this person, especially if you’re a natural introvert. They’re good for you…they inspire you to reach higher in life.
7. An Honest Wiseguy
This friend is a pretty good friend but not one of the best. They’re not super reliable or even that loyal, but hey! If you need someone to be honest, that’s your guy (or girl)! Honest to a fault, and very often sarcastic or goofy, this friend gives you a helpful perspective. Sometimes you need to hear the truth (or at least another perspective of the truth) from someone who has the courage to tell you.
8. A Mentor
This friend was never quite a “best friend”, on account of their seniority, but hey! He/she taught you a lot of important things. You learned a lot. Maybe this mentor friend even sacrificed for you, gave you something that you could never repay. (Even if it was just their time and life wisdom) Good for you. Appreciate this friend and always try to keep in touch.
9. A Good Neighbor or Work Colleague
The good neighbor or work colleague is, well, just there. In the right place and at the right time. You have some things in common, which is cool. But mostly you just hang out because you’re a surrogate family, at work, at school, or in the local neighborhood. As soon as the situation changes, these friends very often move on to new adventures without you. Hey, you might not have any great bonding moments, but at least you’ll have a kind heart and friendly face to talk to during the time you spend together.
10. Your Awesome Pen Pal
Finally, let’s talk about that amazing person that you love and appreciate – and that you’ll probably never meet in person. Maybe they’re halfway across the world. Or maybe they’re just several states away. Not quite a romantic interest, but a far more intense relationship than just a platonic friend. These friends are sometimes the ones that listen to us the most. You confide in them, trust them with your life story, and get some much needed advice at the right time. Treasure them always!
In conclusion, remember that we all “need people.” We don’t need to be friends with everyone but we must embrace humanity. We must find people we like, bond with them, and welcome that positivity into our lives. Perhaps learning about the different types of friends you meet in life will help you become more conscious of who you NEED in your life, as opposed to who randomly stops by.
Great Friends, but Where’s the Right Man?
Good friends come into your life in all sorts of ways. Sometimes the right man is harder to find.
If that sounds like you, my free quiz can help you see what’s been getting in the way.
