The 7 Types of Friendships & How to Keep Them Strong

The Different Types of Friendships & How to Keep Them Strong

Friendship. It’s the backbone of our social lives, the thing that keeps us from spiraling into existential crises at 2 AM. But let’s be real—friendships aren’t one-size-fits-all. There are different types, and each one plays a unique role in our lives. Some friends are there for the long haul, while others are just meant for a specific phase in life. So, how do you navigate these friendships, and more importantly, how do you keep them alive? Let’s break it down.

1. The Ride-or-Die

Who They Are:

This is your person. The one who’s been with you through heartbreaks, bad haircuts, and that embarrassing middle school phase. They’ve seen you at your best and your absolute worst—and somehow, they still choose to stick around.

How to Keep Them:

• Check in on them (not just when you need them).
• Be brutally honest, but in a loving way—they deserve the truth, not sugarcoating.
• Prioritize quality time, even when life gets hectic.

Ride-or-die friendships don’t just happen—they require effort, vulnerability, and sometimes, an ugly cry session over FaceTime at midnight.

2. The Work Bestie

Who They Are:

Your lifeline during the 9-to-5 grind. The one you exchange side-eyes with during pointless meetings. They make work bearable, and let’s be honest—without them, you’d probably lose your mind.

How to Keep Them:

• Don’t let the friendship die after someone quits. It’s easy to lose touch when you’re no longer sharing daily misery.
• Hang out outside of work. If the only thing bonding you is shared complaints about your boss, it might not last.
• Support each other’s career moves. Even if they move on, be their cheerleader.

Some work besties turn into lifelong friends, while others fade away when the job does. Either way, they serve a crucial purpose in keeping you sane.

3. The Party Friend

Who They Are:

The one who gets you out of your comfort zone. They know all the best spots, always have plans, and somehow never seem to get tired. They’re the reason you have stories that start with, “So, this one time…”

How to Keep Them:

• Accept that your friendship is mostly about having fun. Not every friend has to be your therapist.
• Respect their lifestyle. If they’re all about nightlife, don’t expect deep, introspective convos every time.
• Know your limits. It’s okay to say no if you need a break.

This friendship is about embracing the moment, even if that moment involves way too many overpriced cocktails.

4. The Long-Distance Bestie

Who They Are:

Maybe you met at summer camp, college, or during a semester abroad. Distance separates you, but whenever you reconnect, it feels like no time has passed.

How to Keep Them:

• Use technology. FaceTime, voice notes, random memes—stay in their life however you can.
• Plan trips together. Even if it’s once every few years, make it happen.
• Understand that life gets busy. No guilt-tripping if they don’t text back immediately.

Long-distance friendships prove that connection isn’t about proximity—it’s about effort.

5. The Childhood Friend

Who They Are:

The one who knew you before you had a skincare routine. You grew up together, made questionable fashion choices, and survived the chaos of teenagehood side by side.

How to Keep Them:

• Accept that you may have grown in different directions. And that’s okay!
• Find new things to bond over. Childhood memories aren’t enough to sustain a friendship forever.
• Put in the effort to stay in touch. Life gets busy, but a simple “Remember when we used to…?” text can keep the connection alive.

These friendships are nostalgic, comforting, and sometimes, a reminder of just how much you’ve changed (for the better, obviously).

6. The Internet Friend

Who They Are:

The one you met through Twitter, Discord, or some random online community. They know everything about you, despite living miles (or continents) away.

How to Keep Them:

• Be intentional about communication. Online friendships thrive on consistent messaging.
• Make plans to meet IRL (if safe and possible). Some of the best friendships start online but don’t have to stay there.
• Don’t let ghosting become a habit. It’s easy to disappear in the digital world, but real friendships require effort.

Internet friendships are proof that genuine connections can happen anywhere, even in a DM.

7. The Situational Friend

Who They Are:

The person you connect with due to a specific phase in life—college, a shared hobby, or a mutual struggle. You might not be besties forever, but they play an important role during that time.

How to Keep Them (If You Want To):

• Be honest about the friendship’s nature. Not every bond has to be deep.
• If you drift apart, don’t force it. Some friendships are meant to be temporary, and that’s okay.
• If you value them, make the effort to extend the friendship beyond the situation.

Not all friendships are lifelong—and that doesn’t make them any less valuable.

How to Maintain Friendships in a Busy World

We all get busy. Work, relationships, mental health—it’s a lot. But friendships don’t maintain themselves. Here’s how to keep them strong:

Be Intentional

Friendship isn’t just about convenience. If you value someone, make time for them—even if it’s just a random text or a quick call.

Respect Boundaries

Not every friend wants to talk 24/7. Some need space, some thrive on constant interaction. Learn what works for each friendship.

Don’t Keep Score

Friendship isn’t about “I texted last, now it’s their turn.” If you want to talk to someone, reach out.

Communicate Openly

If something feels off, address it. Unspoken tension kills friendships faster than distance ever will.

Accept That Some Friendships Fade

Not every friendship is forever. People change, priorities shift. It’s okay to let go with gratitude instead of resentment.

At the end of the day, friendships—no matter what type—are about connection. They’re about making life a little less lonely, a little more fun, and a lot more meaningful. So cherish the good ones, let go of the ones that no longer serve you, and always be the kind of friend you’d want in your own life.

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