A Millennial’s Guide to Friendships

Building friendships in a generation that is self-obsessed and extremely selfish is difficult, and knowing how to do it right can serve as a huge social and personal investment. 

Millennials are known to know a lot of people. Through social media platforms sites, it is easy to know people from afar, and equally easy to make yourself known. Meaningful and genuine relationships, however, are hard to come by. Trying to transition into responsible adults sometimes leave little room for socializing and checking in on your friends, talk less of expanding your social network. 

 Everyone seems to be focused on getting their sh*t together or not willing to invest the time in developing and fostering quality friendships. It is easy to bond in the comments section under posts on social media or to vaguely assume that the number of likes you receive on your post is equivalent to the number of people who care about you. and true friendships are built over the years through the good and bad times, being there when others aren’t. Below are the six main friendships every millennial must have; 

The Loyal Friend

Out of the long list of contacts and relationships you have, it is important to have a ride or die. Someone you can unreservedly confide in and know they will never hang you out to dry. This type of friendship is hard to find, you’ve got to look carefully. 

The Clown

Not exactly in the literal sense, but everyone deserves to have that crazy friend who can almost make you forget your worries. They are usually the life of the party and are naturally gifted with an easy sense of humor. They always have a joke or two up their sleeves to make you feel better and life is never complicated in their company – you know the kind. 

The Strategist

You know that one friend who always have their sh*t together? No matter how hard the task, they always manage to forge a plan to get it done without question. Yep! They are the ones that will help make meaning out of the puzzle – always! 

The Money Mind

We all love to be in control of our finances and aim to be financially independent. We love to constantly think of ways to earn more, save more and invest smartly. There is always that one person who has the gist on the latest money moves or get rich schemes. They stop you from making dumb financial decisions and are always there to prevent you from going broke. Keep them really close. 

The Adventurist

We seem to have so much admiration for that friend who is always down for an adventure – the risk taker. It is important to have a friend who pushes us beyond our limits and makes us aspire for more. Think of adventure in every sense of the word, whether it’s starting a business or jumping out of a plane, you need a friend who encourages you to push the over the boundaries. 

The Social Guru

You know that saying about who you know and who knows you? The truth is you don’t need to know everybody. All you need is to have a friend who is highly connected with a vast social network. The problem with trying to manage your vast network is that you are highly likely to fail at managing or keeping up with all of them. This is why having one friend who knows you exceptionally well, can be of better essence. They can always put in a good word for you when required.  Remember, this kind of friendship will equally require nurturing. You don’t just get up after five years and call them to ask for a favor. You have to be in touch with them constantly and add to the partnership. 

It is worth noting however that to have a friend, you must be a friend. Add value to the people you are associated with to make their friendship worthwhile.