These are the 8 friends you need to be happy in life

These are the 8 friends you need to be happy in lifeThese are the 8 friends you need to be happy in lifeDo your friends sometimes disappoint you? Ever feel like there is something missing in your relationships? Youre bedrngnis alone.Tom Rath and the Gallup organization discovered something interesting the vast majority of the time, no one pal offers you everything you need from your relationships.Some of your friends are great listeners but theyre not always there when you need them. Others are intensely loyal but just not that great at helping you out of a jam. And so on.We get different things from different friends. And sometimes even with a sizable group youre still not getting all the things you want in order to feel truly supported in life. Kinda like how to be healthy you need the four different food groups - you cant just eat cookies for every meal.Friendship is a pretty vague word. You generally dont even know everything you want from your relationships to feel whole - you just knowsomethingsmissing. Theres a gap.So Rath and Gallup got to work. They surveyed over a thousand people to find out what the types of vital friends were - someone who if they vanished, your life satisfaction would noticeably decrease.What did these types of friends offer? How do they round out your life? What are those things we all want from a group of friends to feel truly fulfilled?Rath breaks down the results of their research inVital Friends The People You Cant Afford to Live Without.It turns out there are 8 types of vital friends. Many of us dont have all of them in our squad, and thats why we often feel disappointed or like were not getting everything we need. (You have to collectallthe different Pokemon to win at the game called life.)So lets break down the 8 and get the basics on what they are, learn where you might meet the ones that are missing, and find out how to strengthen your relationships with the ones you already have. Well also look at what you should do t o be better at the role whichyouplay in the lives of others.Okay, time to get friendly1) The BuilderJust because youre not in Little League anymora doesnt mean you dont need a coach. Someone who motivates you and encourages you to take it to the next level. That supportive friend who believes in your potential and wont let you rest on your laurels.FromVital Friends The People You Cant Afford to Live WithoutBuilders are great motivators, always pushing you toward the finish line. They continually invest in your development and genuinely want you to succeed - even if it means they have to go out on a limb for you. Builders are generous with their time as they help you see your strengths and use them productively. When you want to think about how you can do more of what you already do well, talk to a Builder. Much like the best coaches and managers, these are the friends who lead you to achieve more each day.Lacking a Builder in your life?We all need that part who nudges you to be all that you can be. Start asking more people for advice, then vet based on who gives solid answers and supports you. Who checks in with you a week later to see how things are progressing?Thatsyour new Builder.Want to make the Builder you have better?Tell them your goals and what youre struggling with. Tell them you appreciate their support and give them permission to nag you if you slack.What if youre a Builder? How can you be more helpful to your friends?Pay attention to what theyre up to and offer help. Check in with them if goals they said were important do a vanishing act. Some people need a supportive voice in order to follow through.My friendJodieis a Builderpar excellence. I tend to only do things that interest or excite me. So my life can get a little unbalanced. (That is a tsunami-sized understatement, by the way.) When I neglect things that,oh, keep me breathing or make life worth living, Jodie offers reminders, support and then nags me relentlessly. So I always do what she saysEventually.(To learn more about the science of a successful life, check out my new bookhere.)Builders motivate you and keep you going. Who sings your praises to others?2) The ChampionWe all need a friend who isnt afraid to break out the pom-poms and play cheerleader. Somebody who roots for you and describes you to others in a way that makes you blush.FromVital Friends The People You Cant Afford to Live WithoutChampions stand up for you and what you believe in. They are the friends who sing your praises. Every day, this makes a difference in your life. Not only do they praise you in your presence, a Champion also has your back - and will stand up for you when youre not around. They accept you for the part you are, even in the face of resistance. Champions are loyal friends with whom you can share things in confidence. They have a low tolerance for dishonesty. You can count on them to accept what you say, without judging, even when others do not. Champions are your best advocates . When you succeed, they are proud of you, and they share it with others. Champions thrive on your accomplishments and happiness.Need a Champion in your life?Look for the people who are always praising others. Theyre usually very humble and kind. So say hi.Want to help your Champion help you?Regularly keep them abreast of what youve been doing and what your goals are. And dont forget to thank them when their help pays off. Champions live for that.If youre a Champion, how can you improve?Ask your friends what theyve been up to and how you can help. Think about different ways you can promote them. Maybe youve spread the word about their great work at the office - but have you ever complimented them in front of their spouse?Luckily, I haveAndy. Andy says things about me to other people that would make me want to meet me if I didnt already know myself. And he does this for all his friends. I can tell you that they are all very lucky people. But Andy would just tell you how awesome they are.(To learn the 3 secrets from neuroscience that will make you emotionally intelligent, clickhere.)So maybe you have someone swinging pom-poms for you. But do you have that rolle to conspire with on that passion project?3) The CollaboratorWho loves that saatkorn strange thing that you love? Who is that friend that the moment you see each other you roll up your sleeves and get to work on the next big caper?FromVital Friends The People You Cant Afford to Live WithoutA Collaborator is a friend with similar interests - the basis for many great friendships. You might share a passion for sports, hobbies, religion, work, politics, food, music, movies, or books. In many cases, you belong to the same groups or share affiliations. When you talk with a Collaborator, youre on familiar ground, and this can serve as the foundation for a lasting relationship. Indeed, in those conversations, you often find that you have similar ambitions in work and life.How do you find yourself a Collaborator? Let the people around you know more about your interests and see who else happens to be into cryptozoology or 19th century pre-existentialism. Attend events where fellow enthusiasts gather.Whats a good way to encourage your current Collaborator?Send them articles about your mutual interest. Meet for coffee to discuss.And what should you do to be a better Collaborator if you are one?Your mission, should you decide to accept it Schedule a regular time to meet and work on your shared plan for Global Domination.My buddyMikeis a grandmaster of all things visual. Mike and I dontdostuff together - wemakestuff together. When I said I wanted to send my publisher some ideas for mybookscover, Mike fired up Photoshop. When I needed an author photo for saidbook, Mikes the one who took it. And per my above recommendation, I really should set a regular time to meet with him(To learn the seven-step morning ritual that will make you happy all day, clickhere.)You have the Bonnie to your Clyde. Do yo u have the rolle you can call late at night when the worries get serious and youre having a dark teatime of the soul?4) The CompanionSimply put a best friend. They wont just help you move theyll help you move bodies. The person who will still be there when everyone else has very wisely run for cover.FromVital Friends The People You Cant Afford to Live WithoutA Companion is always there for you, whatever the circumstances. You share a bond that is virtually unbreakable. When something big happens in your life - good or bad - this is one of the first people you call. At times, a true Companion will even sense where you are headed - your thoughts, feelings, and actions - before you know it yourself. Companions take pride in your relationship, and they will sacrifice for your benefit. They are the friends for whom you might literally put your life on the line. If you are searching for a friendship that can last a lifetime, look no further than a Companion.How do you find a Companion ?Think about which of your current friends you might want to have a deeper relationship with. Spend more time with them. Open up and be vulnerable.How do you strengthen your relationship with a current Companion?Cut the small talk. Discuss the deep stuff in your life your fears, your dreams, your future.How can you be a better Companion?Create a safe place for your friend to discuss anything. And when times get tough, reach out. Dont wait for them to ask for help.Jason is my best friend. If there is anything in this life I should be envied for, it is that. He is the person who frequently says things like, Eric, that thing you are about to do is insane, has little chance of success, and is illegal in most NATO countries. I know youre going to do it anyway. If it works out, I will be thrilled for you. If it crashes and burns, call me no matter how late. Im here for you. And often I call. And he always picks up.(To learn the 4 rituals from neuroscience that will make you happy, clickhe re.)Best friend acquired. But who is introducing you tonewfriends?5) The ConnectorNo matter what the issue, they know somebody who can help. They make friends more often than most people make excuses. Even if they were locked in solitary confinement with no one to talk to, theyd end up best pals with the prison guard.FromVital Friends The People You Cant Afford to Live WithoutA Connector is a bridge builder who helps you get what you want. Connectors get to know you - and then introduce you to others. These are the people you socialize with regularly. Friends who play the role of a Connector are always inviting you to lunch, dinner, drinks, and other gatherings where you can meet new people. This extends your network dramatically and gives you access to newfound resources. When you need something - a job, a doctor, a friend, or a date - a Connector points you in the right direction. They seem to know everyone.Whats it take to add a great Connector to your life?Look for the people who know everybody in a given situation. Dont be afraid to introduce yourself - these folks obviously like to meet new people.How do you best leverage your Connector?This ones easy just ask them for introductions.If youre a Connector, how can you better help your friends?Be proactive. Dont wait for them to ask for help. Think about who might be good for them to know and offer an introduction. Or just throw a fete and get everybody talking to each other.My buddyGautamknows more fascinating people than I know people. Not only is he the subject of one of the stories in mybook, he also introduced me to twootherpeople whose stories I told in my book. While I was typing this, Gautam has made 6 new friends.(To learn how to make friends as an adult, clickhere.)So you know somebody who always knows somebody. But have you got a friend who just makes you feel great?6) The EnergizerThat fun friend. The person youre always laughing around. The one who always knows the great place to go or the awesome thing to do.FromVital Friends The People You Cant Afford to Live WithoutEnergizers are your fun friends who always give you a boost. You have more positive moments when you are with these friends. Energizers are quick to pick you up when youre down - and can make a good day great. They are always saying and doing things that make you feel better. Energizers have a remarkable ability to figure out what gets you going. When you are around these friends, you smile a lot more. You are more likely to laugh in the presence of an Energizer.How can you find your own shiny, new Energizer?Look for the person who is the life of the party in any situation. Bask in their neon glow and introduce yourself.Want to further energize your current Energizer?Let them know how much you appreciate their enthusiasm. Reciprocate the positivity.Want to be a better Energizer?Just like with Connectors, be proactive. Look for those who are feeling down and work your magic.My friend Oh,crap. I dont thin k I have an energizer. Well, that explains a lot. Better introduce myself to the life of the party, STAT(To learn an FBI behavior experts tips for getting people to like you, clickhere.)So you have a friend who always keeps you smiling. But who is always introducing you to new ideas?7) The Mind OpenerThey send you interesting articles. They get you to question your assumptions. Talking to them makes your brain do things straight out of the dream sequences from Inception.FromVital Friends The People You Cant Afford to Live WithoutMind Openers are the friends who expand your horizons and encourage you to embrace new ideas, opportunities, cultures, and people. They challenge you to think in innovative ways and help you create positive change. Mind Openers know how to ask good questions, and this makes you more receptive to ideas. When you are around a Mind Opener, you are unguarded and express opinions aloud, especially controversial ones that you might not be comfortable sharing with other friends. These friends broaden your perspective on life and make you a better person.How do you find someone who will open your mind?Share your ideas with more people. See who regularly offers new perspectives and invite them to crowbar your cranium.Whats the best way to help your Mind Opener work on your noggin?Encourage them to play devils advocate with your ideas - and never shoot down their responses. Noodle on their suggestions for a while to fully explore them and to show respect.What if youre the Opener of Minds?Listen - and offer suggestions. Send friends ideas you have and stuff they should check out related to their interests.My friendNicknever met an idea he couldnt challenge. We go on absurdly long walks and he responds to everything I say with, But what if? He always makes me thinkreallyhard.I like him anyway.(To learn more about how to be someone people love to talk to, clickhere.)So you have someone to challenge you. But who helps you plan how to get to that n ext stage in life?8) The NavigatorSometimes it feels like youre in Hell, Dante - and you are gonna need a Virgil. Sometimes theyre a mentor, sometimes theyre a sounding board, but theyre always your GPS system for when you dont know which exit to take on the highway of life.FromVital Friends The People You Cant Afford to Live WithoutNavigators are the friends who give you advice and keep you headed in the right direction. You go to them when you need guidance, and they talk through the pros and cons with you until you find an answer. In a difficult situation, you need a Navigator by your side. They help you see a positive future while keeping things grounded in reality. Any time youre at a crossroads and need help making a decision, you can look to a Navigator. They help you know who you are - and who you are not. They are the ideal friends to share your goals and dreams with when you do, you will continue to learn and grow.Need to create a new Navigator in your life?Ask people ar ound you about themselves. Find out more about what theyve done and what challenges theyve overcome. Youd be surprised how many have been in your shoes - or had an analogous experience that might offer insight.Want your current Navigator to have improved GPS?Tell them when youre facing big decisions. Share your goals and dreams. Ask them how they would go about getting from here to there.As a Navigator, how can you help guide your pals?Again, be proactive. Offer help and advice where theyre struggling with an area you have expertise in.This year would have been inconceivably harder without my friendRyan Holiday. Hes offered guidance on releasing a book, what new projects to explore, and how to handle the big issues in life in a way that would make the ancient Stoics proud. Hes the only person I know who goes through more books than I do and, unlike me, his lips dont move when hes reading them.(To learn the lazy way to an awesome life, clickhere.)Okay, thats a lot of different frien ds. Lets round it all upSum upThese are the 8 friends you need to be happy in lifeThe Builder If you were a sports team, theyd be the Coach.The Champion Pom-poms not included.The Collaborator The unindicted co-conspirator.The Companion Theyll be at the police station at 3AM with bail money. Again.The Connector This is the friend you and I probably have in common.The Energizer (Im currently taking applications.)The Mind Opener If they sent you this blog post, Im flattered.The Navigator Like a high school guidance counselor, except useful.Some of your friends may play multiple roles. And you might play different roles to different friends of yours. Thats fine.To most of my friends, Im a mind opener. But to others Im a collaborator or a companion.(After 4 espressos I might be an energizer.)Figure out what you are to your friends. And then make yourself a better one.Find the roles that are missing in your group of friends and work on strengthening the relationships with the ones you hav e.Its like a heist movie where you need a safecracker, a wheelman, a computer expert and the comic relief in order to pull off the job.Life is hard enough. Youre gonna need love and support to make it through.Join more than 320,000 readers.Get a free weekly update via emailhere.Related postsNew Neuroscience Reveals 4 Rituals That Will Make You HappyNew Harvard Research Reveals A Fun Way To Be More SuccessfulHow To Get People To Like You 7 Ways From An FBI Behavior ExpertThis article first appeared at Barking Up the Wrong Tree.