5 Friends every girl should have

As a little girl, I had this notion that I could only have one best-friend. I believed that this one girl would be my soul-mate friend for life. And I did have a bestie! Then I made a new friend and I loved her too.  And I panicked. What? two besties? This is unheard of! I felt like I was cheating on my original bestie! Thank goodness we grow up though. I was so glad when I realized that I didn't have to stick to just one best-friend… but that I could have as many as my heart could handle.

We’re diverse in nature and it’s best to have a diverse set of friends to fulfill those diverse needs.

So without further ado...

Presenting, the 5 girl-friends I think every girl should have…

1.      The Childhood / Long-term Friend.

This is the girl you've known since you were a a child or teenager. The girl you've grown up with. She knew you when you were addicted to Jarule, N’Sync and the Spice Girls; and freaked out when boys you didn't like back sent you valentine’s day cards. She’s walked with you through your first real major crush, your first heartbreak, your indecision on what combination to do in A’level, and all the chaos and crazy that uni can be. And she’s seen you through to where you are now… a wife, a mother, a career woman, a business woman, a confused-out-of-step-adult… what ever point of life she’s been there. She knows you like no one else and loves you in spite of it all.

The ladies from the hit show "Girlfriends"

2.      The Rock.

This girl is your confidant. She’s your emotional support system. The shrink you could never afford. You run to her when life is attempting to drown you. She listens to your moaning and whining and your over-told sob stories. Then she sends you along on your way feeling better and loved. She knows what to say to make you feel heard and understood and not-at-all crazy.

Don't we love this quad of ladies from the show/movies "Sex and the City"

3.      The Girl-who-just-wants-to-have-Fun.

She’s funny, loud, honest, and a boatload of fun! She’s the girl you can always count on to say yes to your invitation to a night-on-the-town, an afternoon at the beach, or a weekend trip to Jinja! She’s your adventure buddy. She’s brave and fun and when you’re with her you feel like you can do it all!

4.      The Kindred Spirit.

This is the girl who feels like your soul-mate. The girl who if she were a guy you would totally marry. You clicked from the word go. She understands you; you understand her. You probably met later in life, after uni maybe, but it feels like you've known each other all your lives. You have almost everything in common and really enjoy each other’s company.

If you have not jumped on the "Girls" bandwagon, what are you waiting for?

5.      The Challenger.

This is the girl who keeps you accountable – Career-wise, relationship-wise, spiritually… in all aspects. She’s the girl who will always be honest with you; and who will let you know when you’re falling behind or making a wrong decision. She will cheer you on when you’re doing well and she’ll challenge you to do more or work harder when you need it. She’s your coach or mentor. She’s deep and insightful and you probably (secretly or not) look up to her.

6.      Lastly, we all need that honorary-girlfriend. 

The guy friend. He provides the much needed male perspective. He’s not a boyfriend or lover; but he’s someone you’d trust with your life. He’s honest, funny, and loyal. He’ll tell you the truth about how guys think; and will provide insight when you’re dealing with boy issues. Trust me on this one, girls, we all need the guy-friend. (Even if he’s a cousin or a long-distance pen-pal...)

Obviously, and thankfully, we’re not limited to this list of friend-types..and you’ll probably find that one friend fits into two or more categories; and that your sisters or cousins fall into these categories too.

Whichever set of friends you have – love on them this February! Who says the month of love has to be only for lovers?