10 TyPes Of FriEndS & THinGs

I was recently talking to a few friends from High School on FB about how when we were teenagers we had different types of friends than we do today.
Today, I have the kind of friends that I go on double dates with, go shopping with (even dreaded bathing suit shopping trips!), have wine with whine nights, have dinner with in our PJ's, and are just REAL good friends. You ladies know who you are and I heart you all for being you....see you at wine night ;).

But today's blog is for my fellow thirty-something year old and teen readers, enjoy the walk down memory lane and see if you recognize someone from your life on this list. For my parent readers, knowing these types of kids can help you identify the kind of kids your child hangs out with. I have seen it in some elementary school students already!!!
1) Hanger-Oner
I had one of these in middle school. Remember the Hanger-Oner? That kid who just would not leave you alone. They dressed like you and showed up everywhere you went. I mean, they were nice, and you liked them, but it’s called
b-r-e-a-t-h-i-n-g r-o-o-m.
2) Frenemy
Maybe this is more of a girl thing than a guy thing, but there were definitely those people in High School who pretended to be your friend, and you pretended to like them, but in reality, you didn’t.
3) The I'm-Cooler-Than-You Friend
I had a few friends like this and I seriously wonder why. Although they were cool, smart, and funny they were always trying to impress everyone. Yes, we were friends, and I am grateful, but they always wanted people to live up to their expectations and coolness factor....whatever!
4) Make-Me-Feel-Good-About-Myself-Friend
Ahh, they are the best! In High School, and even now, everyone has to have a friend they can go to when they need to feel better about themselves. Everyone needs a shoulder to cry on every now and then or just a moment to vent or blow some steam with the safety of unspoken trust and non judgemental advice.
5) Wingman or Wingwoman
This is typically a best friend, which you of course can still have later in life. The person you always went on doubles, blind dates and to dances with because we always got along well and most importantly, had totally different taste in men.
6) Homework Friend
This does not have to be someone smarter than you (or a cheater-friend), this is someone who teens all have to go to when they need to make a study guide, plan a study session or as a homework problem. Those you talked to at least once a night on the phone, usually about only school related stuff but, still a good friend.
7) Secret Bitch/Secret Bully
Very similar to frenemies in that they are nice to you in person, but are different because they don’t want to be your friend, they just want to know you enough about you to stab you in the back. Unfortunately, we all know some of those!
9) Family Friend
This friend is who your parents want you to be best friends with because the parents are best friends or you are neighbors and it would just make it easier to carpool.
10) Used-to-be-elementary-school-friend-but-don’t-really-have-anything-in-common-anymore
Oh, these are awkward. You used to climb trees together, you had a Ya-Ya Sisterhood handshake and have really cute pictures of the two of you in a bathtub together, but it just isn’t the same anymore. They are a jock and you are a bandgeek, but you still say ‘hi’ in the halls and invite each other to your birthday parties. Mom and dad will forever be asking you, “how is your old friend ___, you used to be so close!”

We will continue to meet people all the time. Some people will become friends and some won't, and I can live with that. But hey, let Facebook and Myspace serve their purpose! Go find your old frenemy or wingman and invite them for drinks. I did and guess what?.......people really can change for the better =)