Try on for size
Friends are like shoes – and not just because both pals and the perfect pair of pumps can bring you profound joy. Friendship experts agree: Just as your favorite old sneakers aren’t perfect for every occasion, neither is every friend. It’s crucial to have a colorful assortment of friends—from comfy to professional—to match the varied parts of your life.
The work friend
This relationship is so important that it has been coined a term for it: a “workship.” Having an office pal boosts productivity, makes the day go faster, and work more fun.
Just be on guard
If only one of you gets that promotion, things could get uncomfortable. Try to discuss it in advance if you can. Also, if one of you happens to leave the job, the friendship still has promise. Workships often blossom into friendships when they’re no longer workships—because then you can really let down your guard.
The friend in your kid’s class.
Your kids are angels, no doubt, but that doesn’t mean they have an adult perspective on what’s going on in school. You absolutely need someone to help you check out whether the teacher is really that ‘unfair.
The friend who’s known you forever.
This friendship is priceless. She keeps your memories alive by sharing them with you. Friends you grew up with aren’t just fun throwbacks; some can serve as sister stand-ins.
The hobby buddy.
You summon this friend when you want to catch a movie or concert, if you want to enroll in a dancing class or take a horseback ride. This friend is important, psychologists say, because your significant other may not share many of your most abiding interests. Or you may simply want a gal pal or another friend with whom to discuss and enjoy them.
The straight-talking friend.
You know when you’re clear that you need to break up with someone.. but just can’t quite bite the bullet? Talk to this friend. We all need someone who’s honest, gets to the heart of the problem, and doesn’t sugar-coat. They also won’t tell you the swimsuit looks good when it doesn’t, or that it’s okay with them that you haven’t called.
The feel-good friend.
The feel-good friend may cheer for you even without being all smiles and pom-poms. They never belittles, or tries to make things about them, or say one of those dopey things like, ‘You’ll get over it, what you need is a fill-in-the-blank!’ They really knows how much better people feel when someone just listens.
