My grandpa used to say, “The measure of a man is the company he keeps.”

Well, I didn’t quite get it until I got older. It’s all about the type of friends you have. There’s a lot of truth to that saying, particularly when you find yourself in a bind.

You see, not every friend is created equal.

There are those who are only around for the good times, you know the ones I mean. But then, there are those who stick around even when the going gets tough. Those are the ones you can truly count on.

But how do you identify them?

Well, according to relationship experts, there are 7 types of friends who will always have your back when you need them the most.

1) The listener

Ever had one of those days when you just needed to vent?

We all have. It’s part of being human.

We need someone who will listen without judging, without interrupting, without trying to fix everything. That’s the Listener.

This friend doesn’t just hear words. They listen to understand. They’re genuinely interested in your feelings, your thoughts, your experiences.

According to relationship experts, this type of friend is crucial. They provide a safe space for you to unload, helping you feel understood and less stressed.

So if you’ve got a Listener in your life, cherish them. They are one of those rare breeds who truly have your back.

2) The cheerleader

Do you remember that time you had a crazy idea, and everyone thought you’d lost it?

I do.

A couple of years ago, I decided to quit my well-paying job to start my own business. People thought I was insane. But there was this one friend – my Cheerleader.

She didn’t call me crazy. Instead, she said, “That’s ambitious! You can totally do it.”

The Cheerleader is that friend who believes in you even when you don’t believe in yourself. They’re your biggest fan, always rooting for you and encouraging you to reach for the stars.

3) The truth-teller

Here’s a tough pill to swallow: sometimes we’re our own worst enemy. We make self-destructive choices, blind to the effect they have on our lives.

And here’s where the Truth-teller comes in.

You know that friend who isn’t afraid to tell you when you’re going off track? That’s them. It could be anything from telling you that your new love interest is bad news, or that the job you’re considering isn’t right for you.

Like this one time, I was about to make a huge investment in a ‘too good to be true’ venture. My Truth-teller friend was the only one who had the guts to tell me I was being scammed.

Hearing the truth can sting, no doubt. But these friends are essential. They’re your reality check, guiding you away from potential catastrophe.

4) The rock

Life is a roller coaster. There are ups, downs, twists, and turns. And sometimes, it can get overwhelming.

In those moments, the Rock is your sanctuary. They’re steady, dependable, and unshakeable.

When you’re lost in the whirlwind of life, they’re the ones who anchor you. They provide stability and comfort, reminding you that no matter how bad things get, you’re not alone.

Experts highlight the importance of having a Rock in our lives. Their unwavering support can be a source of strength and resilience in tough times.

So if you have a Rock in your life, hold on to them. They’re your safe harbor in the stormy sea of life.

5) The memory holder

Did you know that shared memories can strengthen friendships? A study in the Journal of Social and Personal Relationships found that reminiscing can increase feelings of closeness and satisfaction in relationships.

Enter the Memory Holder.

This friend remembers all the little things – the good, the bad, and the downright hilarious. They’re the ones who bring up that time you got lost on a road trip or that embarrassing incident at the high school reunion.

These shared memories, even if they’re cringe-worthy, remind you of your journey together. They bind you closer, making your friendship richer and more meaningful.

6) The empath

Have you ever faced a tough situation that no one seemed to understand? It could be a heartbreak, a loss, or even just a bad day at work.

I’ve been there too.

But then there was this friend, my Empath. They didn’t just sympathize; they truly empathized. They put themselves in my shoes and felt what I was feeling.

The Empath is a rare breed. They have this innate ability to connect on a deeper emotional level. Their presence is comforting, their words soothing.

Such friends play a vital role in our emotional well-being. They validate our feelings and help us heal.

If you’re lucky enough to have an Empath in your life, cherish them. They’re your emotional anchor, helping you navigate the choppy waters of life’s ups and downs.

7) The constant

Life is dynamic, always changing. People come and go, circumstances shift, and nothing stays the same forever.

Except for one thing – the Constant.

This friend is there through it all – the highs, the lows, the in-betweens. They’re not just around for a season or a reason; they’re there for a lifetime.

Their consistent presence provides a sense of continuity and security in our ever-changing lives.

Final reflections

As we journey through our article, one thing becomes clear – the friends we keep play a pivotal role in our lives.

Whether it’s the Listener who lends an empathetic ear, the Cheerleader who fuels our fire, or the Constant who stands by us through thick and thin – they each bring something unique to our lives.

But these relationships are not just about what we gain. They’re equally about what we give. Because true friendship is a two-way street.

So as you reflect on these ten types of friends, ask yourself – how do I show up for them?

Do I listen with genuine interest? Do I cheer them on? Am I there for them consistently?

To have a friend, you must be a friend.

So let’s strive to be the kind of friend we wish to have. After all, as Ralph Waldo Emerson aptly said, “The only way to have a friend is to be one.”