The five friends you need in your life

When it comes to friendship, quality is more important than quantity, and it is important to surround yourself with the right people to boost your happiness. Here are the five types of friend everyone should have.

The agony aunt or uncle

The agony aunt or uncle is the perfect person to have onboard when you are facing a crisis - no matter how big or small.

If you need some advice, or just a listening ear, this is your guy or girl! Not only is this friend happy to sit and listen to all your problems without passing judgement, but they know exactly when to butt in with advice, and the advice they do give is usually peppered with love.

Furthermore, you can call this friend any time day or night with your problems, safe in the knowledge you're reaching a sympathetic and willing ear. With this friend by your side, you can sail effortlessly through all of life's crises, without ever having to paddle alone in the murky depths of despair.

Just don't forget to offer up your ear and repay the favour from time to time!
The laugh-a-minute mate

The party pal, the group comedian, the life and soul of the party...We all know one of these people - or if you don't, you should.

The laugh-a-minute-mate is that person who never fails to cheer you up and get you laughing, no matter what you're going through. Whether you're on a night out, travelling the globe or just sat watching TV, this friend will make sure you always have a great time.

While this friend is spontaneous and fun, it's best to bear in mind that they may not the best person to go crying to with your problems, as they will most likely make a joke about your breakup and may be far too busy partying to answer that 3am call.

However, a little distraction is often what you need, so if you need to take a break from life's stresses, try giving this friend a call.
The painfully honest pal

Although complete, uncensored honesty is not always welcome, sometimes it is necessary if it will only save you further pain along the road. This truthful pal may not always tell you what you want to hear, but they will usually tell you what you need to know.

The key thing with this friend is that there is no malice behind their truthfulness; they are genuinely trying to help.

If you want an honest opinion on whether that person you've had your eye on really fancies you, whether you should dump your latest fling, or how you should deal with a tricky situation, this is the friend to go to.

This is a great person to have around when you are facing a big decision, and equally good for advice on your fashion decisions - so long as your ego can take it.
The finishes-your -sentences friend

Sometimes in life you come across a person so completely on your wavelength you could have been separated at birth. This is that friend.

The finishes-your-sentences friend does exactly what they say on the tin; they know you inside out, you share the same random interests, and they always know exactly what you're talking about - even when you don't.

Maybe you've known this person for years, or maybe you just clicked instantly.

Regardless, this is a true friend; the person you feel most comfortable with and can really be yourself around. You know you can relax with this friend and that they're never going to judge what you say - in fact, they were probably just thinking the same thing.
The inspirational motivator

Otherwise known as Little Miss or Mr Perfect, the inspirational motivator makes you feel inspired and infuriated in pretty equal measures. The likelihood is this friend is thriving in some area in which you are lacking.

Perhaps they have a better job than you or they earn more money; maybe they have a better social life; or perhaps you feel they have better values than you.

Yes, this friend can definitely be annoying at times, but they can also encourage you to reach higher, do better, and live a fuller life if - instead of feeling jealous - you use their success to inspire and motivate your own.

The key thing about the motivator is that they should never make you feel bad about your own life, but kindly encourage you to make the most of it, all for your own good.
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