Do You Have the Friends You Need?

The right friendships add sweetness and value to our lives

Having friends who add more value than they steal is like enjoying a thick slice of freshly baked sourdough bread with a generous layer of salted Kerry Gold butter and a smattering of local Wildflower honey. Dessert anyone?!

And there are at least four types of valuable friendships to cultivate:

The Cheerleader. They’re the crowd favorite. They’re in our corner, giving us unwavering support, empathy, and encouragement. Next, —

The Entertainer. They make us laugh even when we don’t want to. They lighten up even the dreariest moments in life. Who doesn’t wanna have fun?! Next, —

I love a prophet.

The Guide. They’re in touch with all that is otherworldly — the spiritual. They can help bring sense and solace when we’re lost, frightened, and drowning in an ocean of insignificance. Finally, —

The Prophet. They challenge us by telling us the unpopular, politically incorrect, and unvarnished truth when necessary. They bring honesty to our lives. They dare us to face our imperfect selves, so we can be instruments of change. And for that, the world typically wants to shut them down and even “kill” them.

If Life smiles on you, you have one of each, or you have someone super special who embodies all four on an as-needed basis.

And if you’re luckier still, you can be each of these friends to yourself too.

Bottom line: Cultivate your friendships without and within. Honor the value each brings into your life. And don’t “kill” your Prophet.