Friend, who art thou?

The most sensible thing a woman once said to me was that friends are the family one chooses for oneself. She is also currently hoarding food, water and guns in anticipation of an imminent economic collapse. But, that is another story - I'll return to the discussion on friends.

I invite you to come meet my friend templates. Remember though - these are base templates. Hybrids are expected.

The lucky one, the blessed one - They go through life effortlessly. Born into reasonable affluence and endowed with excellent looks, they sail through school, college and a career as if they were a midsummer tea party. They marry well and live happily ever after. Their best friends are often non-achievers.

The dark one, the sarcy one - They brood in a corner in parties. Most people know when to leave them alone - which is most of the time. They spout philosophy and nurse drinks like babies. You name any one thing that can go wrong in people's lives and they are a living example, except that you cannot coax them to talk about it. Their best friends are often the most cheerful spirits you will find.

The silly one, the one that just won't stop talking - If life were an Agatha Christie novel, these friends would be found dead in their "parlours". Miss Marple often relied on such people as sources of information. Their happiness is often found in others' misery. The sound that crosses their lips more often than any is "Tsk tsk". They have many friends (who prefer to be referred to as acquaintances) but no best friends.

The gay one, the happy one - They live life on their own terms. Their company is a pleasure, their smiles bring cheer to dull corners. They will attack most sports with abandon - bungee-jumping, swimming, hang-gliding, tennis - in the same manner that they approach life. Sometimes goofy, they jump right into enthusiasm. That's right - INTO enthusiasm. They have many friends but feel especially close to the dark ones.

The shifty one - And, if life were Junglebook instead, they would be Kaa. They socialise outside their group and trust nobody. Their efficient selves hold a hypnotic attraction for the silly ones.

Life makes strange bedfellows.