When it comes to friendship, we all have natural tendencies that shape the role we play. Though we may show different sides of ourselves with different groups, most of us lean into one predominant “friendship style” that makes up the core of how we connect with others.
Do you know your friendship type? Take this quick quiz to reveal insights about your style so you can nurture your friendships in the best way possible!
The Initiator
You’re the one who…
- Reaches out to set up group activities and outings
- Brings new friends into the group’s orbit
- Introduces people and facilitates conversations
- Plans parties and events proactively
Personality Traits
- Extroverted, outgoing
- Confident, charismatic
- Organized, skilled planner
- Natural leader and facilitator
Nurturing Your Style: Don’t be afraid to delegate tasks and share the planning burden with others. Avoid burning out by taking initiative in areas you excel at and asking others to spearhead what they’re best at.
The Confidant
You’re the one who…
- Is a trustworthy sounding board for friends’ problems
- Offers thoughtful advice and emotional support
- Keeps friends’ secrets and sensitive information private
- Checks in on friends who are going through tough times
Personality Traits
- Compassionate, kind, empathetic
- Discreet, non-judgmental
- Patient, wise listener
- Reliable, loyal, sensitive
Nurturing Your Style: Set healthy boundaries around your time and energy when friends are leaning heavily on you. Don’t take on the full burden of others’ struggles. Suggest professional help when needed.
The Comic Relief
You’re the one who…
- Lightens the mood with jokes and humor
- Entertains friends with funny stories and antics
- Brings levity to difficult situations
- Helps friends relax and not take life too seriously
Personality Traits
- Witty, amusing, jokester
- Silly, animated, energetic
- Playful, youthful spirit
- Intelligent, quick-thinking
Nurturing Your Style: Know when humor is welcome and when more seriousness or solemnity is needed based on the situation. Don’t minimize others’ feelings or concerns by joking too much. Offer comfort in addition to comic relief when friends are struggling.
The Adventurer
You’re the one who…
- Draws friends into new experiences and adventures
- Introduces friends to different cultures, cuisine, and lifestyles
- Plans exciting group trips near and far
- Pushes friends to step outside their comfort zones
Personality Traits
- Free-spirited, open-minded, curious
- Spontaneous, impulsive, risk-taker
- Extroverted, energetic
- Passionate about travel and culture
Nurturing Your Style: Be sensitive to friends’ budget constraints when planning lavish trips or outings. Opt for affordable local experiences too. Don’t pressure non-adventurous friends beyond their limits. Meet their level of adventure.
The Anchor
You’re the one who…
- Provides a sense of comfort, familiarity, and nostalgia
- Knows friends deeply through years of shared history
- Reminds friends of special memories you have together
- Offers perspective on friends’ lives and long-term growth
Personality Traits
- Sentimental, nostalgic
- Slow, steady, loyal
- Wise, retrospective
- Appreciates tradition, consistency
Nurturing Your Style: Balance your grounding presence by also supporting friends’ need to grow and change. Don’t let the past trap friends or limit their possibilities moving forward. Introduce new rituals while keeping old ones too.
What’s Your Friendship Style?
Which profile describes you best? We all encompass aspects of each style, but most lean strongly toward one or two dominant categories. Understanding your tendencies helps you play up your natural strengths while also practicing flexibility to avoid pigeon-holing yourself. With self-awareness and care, you can nurture the special brand of friendship you offer.
