Just recently, I received an IM from one of my girlfriends. I hadn't spoken to her in ages and I immediately felt horrible. Of course, I love her dearly, but life happens: we have babies, get married, move away, start our own families... and maintaining our friendships become hard.
I know what you're all thinking: Hello! That's why they invented the telephone, instant messages, Facebook, Instagram, blah, blah, blah. Thank God, because otherwise I would be persona non grata among my friends. However, I must admit that even with technology, I am horrible at preserving relationships. Back in the day it used to be so effortless. My friends were always a hop, skip and a jump away!
After talking to my girlfriend for hours, I reflected on our friendship and silently resolved to be a better friend. I may not say it often enough, but I love my girlfriends dearly.
Your sister from another mother
So, if your girls fall into any of the six categories below, hold on to them forever, because they are your real friends:
Your sister from another mother -- this is the friend who finishes your sentences! At a glance, you both know what the other is thinking. You don't need to tell her that something is off, she senses it. She knows you like a book, knows when you're only pretending to be OK, and always checks in at the right time. She may not have all the answers, but she will be there to help you solve the problem no matter what! She is your support system, and you can’t fathom your life without her.
Your cheerleader -- this is the friend you call when you need a swift kick to get back up on the horse. Need to get a jump-start on that master's degree? Just tell her! I bet she'll fill out the application, and then bug you every day about it. Remember that new position that you're too scared to apply for? She's going to push you until you send the damn résumé. She’ll nag you to no end, but it'll get the job done. That’s the friend that will always be cheering you on. She'll be right there on the sidelines, genuinely celebrating every bit of your success!
The secret keeper -- we all have that one friend who could reveal our skeletons and end our lives as we know it. She's like the Pentagon – you guard that bitch with your life. Seriously though, this is your real friend. You know that no matter what, she's taking those secrets to her grave, just as you'll take hers with you! No malice, fight or even torture is enough to get her to rat on you. That's a friend worth keeping!
Your groupie -- this is the friend who is down for whatever! You've got an extra ticket, and your boo just stood you up? Call her! She'll never let you roam alone! If there is a party, she's going, she’s dragging you along, and she’ll make sure you have a damn good time. There is never a dull moment around her!
Your ride or die chick -- so you thought this phrase was only for your BF? No way! In girl world, your ride or die chick is the badass of the group! She is the ultimate diva, usually the loudest of the lot, and is always ready to defend your honour – right or wrong. She'll jump in a fight, slap a bitch, and then ask, “Why are we fighting again?” Truth be told, even you are a little afraid of her, but as your BFF, she is always ready to protect you. She's also most likely the one who will call you out on your bull. She is no-nonsense, and never be afraid to tell you like it is. After all, what are you going to do about it? WHAT?!
Miss Perfect -- this is the friend who has never committed a sin in her entire life! Yep, she’s right up there with Mother Teresa and Virgin Mary. She will talk you out of every fun thing there ever was. If you're looking for inspiration to go bungee jumping, don't call her. If you're looking for someone to tell you it’s OK to go hang with the really hot guy (or girl) at the bar with the tattoo, don't go to her. She is the official vibes killer, so squeaky clean that you've even harboured thoughts of spiking her drink -- just to get some dirt on Miss Perfect. But alas, she is the voice of reason, and we all know that she is always right. After all, isn't she the one we always turn to when it’s time to make logical level-headed decisions? But, damn girl loosen up!
The friends above may be one girl wrapped up in all six or six different gals. Whatever the case, if you have any of these ladies in your life, cherish them as I do. Like it or not, our men can never replace these women if you are lucky enough to find them!
Cheers to being a better friend and don't forget to share and tag a friend you love!
On point as always!
Great read. True Words. Thanks for the reminder.
Glad I have friends who check all above roles and then some!
Now that you work across the walkway from me… when are we doing lunch? 🙂
I realize from a couple of years ago that my only friend now was my husband!!! becasue as you said everthing revolved around him. I’m a horrible friend I always put off the visits or the calls too…( I think I’m becoming an introvert, its all about family…the kids) My BFF from college days knows everything, we still chat n plan dates, its not awkward as we can still jump into personal shit!!! But the frequency is limited…that closeness though! I have work friends though…some you share stuff with and some you don’t lol. I think I need friends!!! You need to write a piece on the girls who only keep guy friends and how that works in a relationship.
Another great read. I’m still waiting for you to publish your first book. Do you think that one friend can have multiple personas described above?
Yes Alecia! At the end I say it may be one friend wrapped up in all 6 or six different girls. Most if my friends fit multiple roles!
Good read. Had to really link my six gal pals. Miss and love you girls.
Yep, I got them!
Call Dem name! Call out yu fren dem name!!!….Me brave so me a list ‘mines’: Jacynth Ward-Parker, Christine Williams, Dorecha Brown, Vashtina Brown, Makada Haye – Frenz to the end like chucky