I recently read a blog by Valorie Burton which touched a nerve with me since I shared my MS status last week. I have gotten encouragement from people that I never expected or haven’t talked to in years. I have met new people as I (and they) share our strengths, hopes and experiences. My tribe is growing every day… personally and professionally.
I want you to think about the women that you are friends with – the ones you are closest to.
Do you have one really good friend that you rely on? You know the one that you can call at all hours of the day and night. Do you rely on her for everything?
Do you have another group (or tribe) of women that you turn to for certain things like business, spiritual support, parenting, etc?
Did you know that there are actually six specific types of friends that every woman should have? Be sure to check out Valerie’s book for the full 411!
I am learning that not just one or two friends can meet all of our emotional or spiritual needs. I always had a VERY small circle of girlfriends which hasn’t changed much as an adult. I tend to be introverted – imagine that! I was surprised to read that statistically, a relationship with your girlfriend will likely outlast your marriage, your parents and your co-workers. I can see that. WHY? Because I have a bestie that I met 25 years ago. We have been through a lot together (and apart) BUT no matter what, we are there for each other. No matter the distance or the span of not talking/seeing each other, when we get together, the time just melts away.
So, here is Valerie’s list of the six types of friends every woman needs:
- The Wise Friend.
You can count on them to talk you out of doing something you’d regret, help you solve your latest dilemma, and give all-around sound advice about just about anything.
- The Fun Friend.
Want to have a good time, be adventurous, or laugh ’til your stomach hurts? You can always count on this one.
- The Travel Buddy.
Drama-free, this friend is adaptable, maybe even adventurous, and loves to see the world.
- The Relationship Coach.
Transparent, real and willing to listen, this friend has figured a few things out in the love department and genuinely wants to see you happy when it comes to romance.
- The Career Comrade.
You share a similar background and goals in your work life, and encourage each other to higher professional success.
- The Accountability Partner.
To maximize your potential, this is your go-to pal to help keep you on track.
So, do you have a friend in each of those categories? Or, do you seem to have more friends in just one category?
Now, think of your four closest friends. Which one are YOU to each of them? Do you fill the same “category” with everyone or do you float between categories depending on the relationship with that friend?
I probably fall into TWO categories: the “Wise Friend” and the “Career Comrade”. Okay, so maybe I am stuck or type cast but that is okay with me. I do have a little bit of each of the different “types” in me but I would never want to commit to them.
What category do you fall into? Share it with us…
Have a ThirtyOne-derful day!
Hope Wissel 