The best of FRIENDS

These five types of pals are worth their weight in gold

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We all need friends for love, companionship and support, but did you know we also crave variety in the special people closest to us? Happiness coach and author Domonique Bertolucci says our friends meet various needs and we should embrace what makes each one unique.

“We need different types of friends in the same way we need different food groups, because they all serve different purposes,” she explains.

THE HELPFUL HERO: SHE PUTS HERSELF IN YOUR SHOES AND DOES ANYTHING FOR YOU

When this thoughtful friend steps up, she really steps up. “This type of friend is essential because as women it’s in our nature to be the nurturer, to look after other people, and we crave it back in order to maintain balance and recharge,” Bertolucci says.

Usually from the same age group as you, this friend will answer your 11pm call about where to track down a late-night pharmacy, or bring over a casserole when you’re too busy to cook.

“If you don’t have a friend who can do that for you, that’s when you start to feel something is missing,” Bertolucci says.

“Her way of nurturing might be solving a problem or being there for you emotionally, but in the bigger picture she’s simply someone you can count on.”

THE FOREVER FRIEND: YOU’D TRUST HER WITH ANYTHING

Chances are you’ve known this person most of your life, and there’s a good reason for that.