Leave toxic friends aside, and bond with these 5 types of friends instead

Since we were kids, we have always been encouraged to make friends. Ever wondered why? Well, because friendships are a source of strength and emotional support. Having the right set of friends may increase your happiness, lower your stress levels, promote your self-esteem, and give you emotional support anytime you need it. And you can make as many friends as you want, but for better mental health, there are some types of friends that everyone needs to have in their lives.

That’s true! Healthy friendships can play a variety of roles in your life and have the power to change your life. But we are aware that finding genuine friends is difficult. Holding on to certain types of friends can help you throughout your lifetime.

Health Shots spoke to Dr Jyoti Kapoor, Senior Psychiatrist, and Founder, Manasthali, Gurugram, about which kinds of friends are best for the sake of your mental health.

Dr Kapoor says, “The great thing about friendship is that it has the power to change our lives. Of course, friendships aren’t always easy or run smoothly, and they may get complicated. But the beauty of friendship is that it constantly evolves and there are no restrictions on how many friends we can have or how we should engage with them.” That’s why friendships are so valuable!

Here are 5 types of friends one should definitely have in life:

1. The caring one

In addition to our family, we also need a buddy who will always look out for us. According to Dr Kapoor, you should have a friend who loves you and cares for you. This person will always be by your side, and having this kind of friend can make you feel cherished.

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2. The listener

There are times in life when we simply need someone to listen to us, not give us advice. At that time, a friend can help! When you need someone to listen and you have a lot on your mind, you go to this friend, says Dr Kapoor. So, when we believe that someone is paying attention to us, and our ideas and feelings are acknowledged by them, we feel as though we have the freedom to express ourselves fully with someone right.

3. The fun friend

Everyone loves people who make them laugh. And your friends are the ones who can make you laugh no matter what. With this person, you’re never in a bad mood, and there are never any boring moments. Dr Kapoor says that knowing how to make you happy, never being afraid to do new things with you, never letting you get bored, constantly encouraging you, making an effort to make you smile in every situation, and having the best sense of humor are all characteristics of a friend worth celebrating. So, if you have a friend like that, you can always count on them to make time for pleasure, no matter what.

4. The loyalist

One of the most crucial traits a friend can possess is loyalty. Friendships become stronger as a result, and trust and faith grow. A loyal friend will stand by you no matter what and remain firm in their friendship. You’ll never feel alone when you’re around them. In fact, they are one of those buddies that will always be truly delighted for you when you succeed. So, find someone who’s loyal!

5. The wise one

Did you know your chances of success rise if you have a wise friend? It’s true. A wise friend will help you get back up when you fall. According to Dr Kapoor, this is the person you turn to when you need advice or guidance. All in all, a wise friend is someone who can teach you, defend you, and stick by you longer than a family member.