Friend groups are diverse. They kinda have to be to keep it all balanced. There are a few characters that most groups have in some form or another, though.
The Mom
No matter where you are, what the situation is, how long you’ve been out, this one always, always has everything you could possibly need within reach. Bandaids, lipbalm, tampons, hand cream, aspirine, bottled water. She’s your walking pharmacy. She’s also the one who makes sure everyone’s OK when you’re out, makes sure you’re not drinking too much or drunk-texting a toxic ex. Oh, this can also be a guy. Just saying.
On the flipside? Just because they take care of everybody doesn’t mean they don’t want somebody checking up on them every now and then. Keep that in mind.
The Dramaqueen
Everybody knows at least one. The one who’ll throw a tantrum when they don’t get their way. The one who lashes out at everybody when the slightest thing in their lives goes wrong and will act like the world is coming to an end. Exhausting.
Keep in mind where this might come from. It can be a number of things or combination thereof, whether from past friendships or other relationships or just their own deep-rooted insecurity.
The Hot Mess
You know the one. The one who can’t seem to get his/her life together. When faced with a choice, they always make the wrong one. And all the rest of you can do is stand by, say “Are you sure you’re doing the right thing?” and shake your head in disbelief when they go through with it anyway. Oh, right. And of course pick up the pieces after whatever they just did blows up in their face.
They mean well, they really do. Thing is, sometimes people refuse to take something you say at face value, especially if they know you well. They’re kinda like kids in that regard; they’ll only listen if another adult (who’s not their parent) says the exact same thing to them.
The Therapist
The one the rest of the group runs to when they want to discuss their problems, issues, confusions, theories. This is someone that can respond with a bunch of advice, or be someone that just knows how to listen. Without judgment.
Much like the mom, this person sometimes wants to be able to vent as well. Tricky part is if there’s only one of these people in the friend group, that might not be an option for them.
The Freeloader
This person is always happy to join in on plans and parties and events, but is nowhere to be found when it’s their turn to get a round of drinks for everyone. They always conveniently forget to pitch in for gas (or even ask). They’re not all bad, of course, but it can get really exhausting for the rest of the group.
Sometimes these people really aren’t aware of their behavior. And sometimes they’re embarrassed about their brokeness but still want to try and keep up with the rest of the group and they think ducking out or ignoring the topic is a smooth way of not letting people notice. It’s not.
The Peacekeeper
The sweetheart. The one that tries to make sure everybody gets along and will try to mediate between the others in case of any kind of conflict.
Take good care of this one. They’re kind and softhearted.
Sometimes you’ll hit the jackpot and have a friend who is two or more of these characters wrapped up in the same person. Plus it can differ for the same person from one group to the next, depending on the dynamics in each group. So, who did you recognize out of this list? Which one did I miss?