Situational Friends: What They Are And Why You Need Them
Situational Friendships: What They Are And Why You Need Them
When it’s time to hang out with friends, we often have specific go-to’s for different outings. There are those outgoing friends who light up parties, the thoughtful ones who appreciate a museum stroll, and the ones who are down for anything. Picking and choosing who you hand with can give off exclusionary, “you can’t sit with us” vibes, but really, having friends for certain situations is a great thing.
Ever gone out to eat with a friend and found they’re not big on holding a conversation, yet at a party, they’re suddenly the life of it? Or maybe you’ve had a great lunch buddy who’s just not the group-setting type? We naturally slot our friends into different roles based on what we think they’re best at.
This doesn’t make the friendship less sincere; it just makes it situational. Clinical social worker Lena Suarez-Angelino breaks down these friendship types into four categories: acquaintances, social friends, intimate friends, and the “epitome of friends.” Each friend category comes with a different set of expectations and connections. It’s beneficial to figure out which friends align with your preferences to avoid finding yourself in a less-than-satisfying friendship with someone you truly value.
Acquaintances
Acquaintances are the friends you run into occasionally, share greetings with, and exchange a simple "How are you?" before parting ways. These low-key friendships can be quite beneficial, especially in public settings, as having a familiar face can help reduce anxiety. There's usually a mutual understanding between both parties that they're not exactly close friends, and that's perfectly fine.
Social Friends
Social friends are the ones you call when it’s time to get outside! These friends don’t get the most intimate details of your life, and your interactions with them are rarely serious. These are the folks who are down for anything and will always be just a call away when you’re in need of a good time.
Intimate Friends
These are the people you run to when you get good news and often act as your biggest supporters in all your endeavors. They offer the same dependability as your social friends, but your connection with them goes deeper, involving more serious conversations and sharing concerns. Intimate friends may not always be the first ones you tell when you hear about a party or concert, but they’ll always be there when you need a helping hand or advice.
The Epitome of Friends
This is your platonic soulmate aka your ride-or-die. They're the ones you have a blast with and confide in about everything. These friends tend to stick around longer because they offer the whole package. You've probably seen each other at your lowest points and yet, you've always had each other's backs. There's a perfect blend of unserious and serious in your relationship, making this friend someone you can always turn to, no matter when or what the situation may be.
In general, all types of friendships have their benefits. Insisting on having the same friends for every occasion can strain relationships that aren't meant to be so intense. This flexible approach keeps things stress-free, allowing relationships to evolve naturally without friction.