A Study of the Variety of Friends

Best Friend

         To determine this person, you must read on, and find the individual that falls into the majority of categories that I’ve itemized below.  They will have to fall into the most of them.



Neighborhood Friend

         Depending upon the type of neighborhood that you live in, these are very important friends, especially for families with similar aged children.  These friends make it easy for those play-dates, and shared outdoor activities during weekends and summer time.  You have a quick and free babysitter for those last minute trips to the grocer, or a medical emergency.  Sharing the sleepovers for the once in a while ‘date night with the spouse,’ or a medical emergency, if you don’t have extended family nearby.

         The down side is when you move away from this neighborhood, the relationships built may become difficult to continue.  The spontaneity and common need that fostered the friendship is found in a new community of neighbors.  Those neighborhood friends that stay close after the move are special.



Work Place Friend

         Someone you see almost daily.  She/he can become the confidant that you share breaks and lunch hours with, and these friendships can possibly advance to outside of work.  If you both have similar lifestyles, as marriage and children, they are very satisfying. 

         Down side is that if you change jobs, the friendship usually wanes, as the glue that kept the friendship going is work related.  If these friendships continue, than they may qualify as "Best Friend."



Bitching Friend

         Now this is a favorite friend of mine.  They telephone with all their complaints, and don’t require much energy for relationship building.  They are someone that you can call and complain to about, as well. This friend will tell you, in no uncertain terms, when you are wrong, and you can do the same.  You can give all the advice you want, and they’ll tell you what you should do, as well. 

         The biggest down to this relationship is that this particular individual does not usually cross over into any of the other friendship categories, if they do, than they may become a "Best Friend."



Fair Weather Friend

         This friend only likes to be around you when things are going well for you both.  Never wants to partake in any type of controversy.  When times are hard, you might get sympathy or get well cards, but they aren’t around for any comfort or support during tough times. 

         The down sides with these friends are they don’t last long.  Life’s up and down’s are inevitable.  If they never acknowledge the down times, than they can’t enjoy the up times.



In Bad Times Friend

         This type of friend is only there for the appreciation of picking you up.  When times go good, they will always find someone else to lavish their charity on. 

         



Cyberspace Friend

         I find these friends to be the most fun.  You don’t really get to know them, or you might not like them.  I find communicating with them generally enjoyable.  Some ask for advice and you never know if they take. 

         The biggest down side is that they are never there when you’re angry, sad or mad.  The delay is similar to the old fashioned letter writing.



Church Friend

         These friends are encouraging and loving.  You look forward to seeing and participating in events with them.  They are always on their best behavior, as you are also. 

         Down side and a really big warning is to keep them weekly friends.  When one starts to associate with them outside of faith’s realm, they will disappoint you, as they are as sinful as you, or you will become too sinful for them to be seen with you.  There’s little time for real soul searching.  Of course, there may be that unusual occasion when this type of friend will truly fit into other categories and could qualify as "Best Friend."



Unexpected Friend

         This is a person that will be there for you at your lowest, or you’re there for them at their lowest.  These friendships come out of the blue, and usually fall into other categories as the relationship develops.  The one that comes to mind with me is a parent of one of my child's friend who lost a youngster in a car accident.  She is an acquaintance that became a friend through her grief process. 



Partying Friend

         I think these are friends that everybody has and doesn’t need much explanation.  They are only around when fun is expected, and usually not at their own expense.  You usually don’t even have to invite them; they just show for a good time.  These friends can become an unexpected friend and equally qualify as ‘Best Friend.”



Suck Up Friend

         People that pretend to be your friend to climb your coat tails to the top, or receive special favors.  These friends fit into many of the various friendship categories.  Once you find out about them, they can usually become your worst enemies, and usually never become that “Best Friend.”



Shopping Friend

         These individuals can become your best friend as well as fit into other categories.  I can have great fun with little or zero money.  Window shopping with this friend, and having silly fun, is great break to the seriousness of life. 



Family Friend

         This type of friend can be a sibling, or a grown child.  These relationships are built over extreme lengths of time.  You cannot will them, they just happen, but one needs to work hard at keeping them healthy once they’ve been acknowledged.



My conclusion is that one should never build their life, reputation, or worthiness on a friendship.  Only in my old age can I understand my Mother's wise words, that you can count your life-time best friends on the fingertips of one hand if your lucky. 



Philosophically speaking, these friends may not come early in life, or necessarily late in life, but when life brings you towards its end, you will look back and be able to count them. 



Now to my request, if you’re reviewing this odd and unusual writing, I wish to challenge you to send me a friend category I might have missed.  Of course this isn’t a requirement for a review, but I know that I’ve missed a few category’s.



With permission granted,



the following author:  Wordsmitty suggested:



Missing or Misplaced Friends

        Those are the ones that you once knew well but disappeared from your current circle or world. They may have moved, taken off to study, or otherwise been unheard from for quite a few months if not years. When all of a sudden they pop back up. You get a one-time rush of emotion and try to catch up. That's either short lived as they just vaporize again, or they migrate into one of the other categories or perhaps become a long distance friend.



the following author:  Crissy~Back!!! suggested:



Facebook Friends



Those are the ones you look up and chat with while still being in the time of need. The sounding board of frustration and encouragement. They are your gaming buddies when in the need of a neighbor request. You get that excitement of receiving a request to be someone's friend or neighbor.



the following author MysticValley suggested:



Marriage Partner Friend



The person who truly knows everything about you and still loves you. The friend that sees every physical and personal ugly thing about you and still wants to get busy with ya...now that is a best friend!