5 Friends Every Woman Needs

They lift us up, give us a hand when we need it, and tell us that we need to fire our hairdresser. Where would be without our friends? Check out the 5 friends that every woman needs.

by eHarmony Staff

Whether you look to them for a shoulder to lean on, a partner in crime, a vault to hold your secrets or a pal who allows you to let loose, your friends are allies in a world that can sometimes seem very unkind. They see you through the laughter and the tears, and they are as important to your health and well-being as your family is. Here are five kinds of friends every woman should be grateful to have in her life.

1. Ms. Blunt

So her bedside manner leaves something to be desired, but you can’t beat a friend who will be completely honest with you. You cringe when she tells you that you have a piece of lettuce between your teeth, but you have to appreciate her when you realize she’s the only person in the room who is willing to do so.

2. The Mother Hen

You seek comfort in the fact that the Mother Hen always knows what to do. She is the friend who hands you tissues after a bad breakup and brings you groceries when you’re laid up with the flu. She’s strong. She’s wise. Her presence is comforting.

Since coddling is her forte, she can come off as meddlesome or, well, too motherly. You know that she knows what’s best for you, even though sometimes you do the opposite. The key to maintaining a healthy relationship with the Mother Hen is not letting her practicality and togetherness interfere with your self-esteem. And make sure you offer to take care of her once in awhile too.

3. Miss Inspiration

This up-lifter does more than offer words of encouragement. As an eternal optimist, she supports your move to Brazil if that is what makes you happy. She reminds you of others’ innate good intentions and always finds a way to make lemonade – making sure to pour you some. Most of us keep positive people around to get through the times of self-doubt, and Miss Inspiration has a knack for raising the half-full glass to you.

The downfall to this happy camper is that every day cannot be sunshine and rainbows. Her buoyant cheerfulness can easily annoy if you are not at the stage to accept a frown turned upside down. You have the ability to inadvertently hurt her with your negativity, so be careful. Go to her when you have already processed any painful parts, are embracing the next phase of acceptance and need a dose of sunshine to help you through.