Relationships shape the way we experience life, and they don’t all have to be romantic to be meaningful.
The people we surround ourselves with influence our confidence, happiness, and growth, often in ways we don’t fully appreciate until we look back. While not everyone will have every type of relationship, having a mix of these connections can bring support, wisdom, and a sense of belonging. Here are some other types of relationships that can make life richer, no matter where you are in your journey.
1. The friend who just gets you
Everyone needs at least one friend who understands them without needing a long-winded explanation. This is the person you can sit in silence with, and it never feels awkward, the one who picks up on your moods without you having to say a word. Having a friend like this means you don’t have to filter yourself or explain every little thing. They just know. And that level of comfort is something rare and valuable in life.
2. The mentor who pushes you to grow
Whether it’s a teacher, a boss, or someone you admire, a good mentor challenges you to aim higher. They don’t just hand out advice; they push you to see your own potential and encourage you to go after what you want. A mentor doesn’t have to be someone official, either. Sometimes, it’s just an older friend or colleague who’s been where you are and can offer perspective. The best ones keep you accountable and remind you what you’re capable of when you start doubting yourself.
3. The friend who tells it like it is
Not every friend will tell you the truth, but the ones who do are the ones who truly care. This is the person who won’t sugarcoat things when you’re about to make a mistake or let you spiral into bad decisions without saying something. Even if their honesty stings in the moment, you’ll thank them later. Having someone who holds you accountable and isn’t afraid to challenge you is crucial for personal growth.
4. The person who shares your weird sense of humour
There’s nothing better than laughing until your stomach hurts with someone who just gets your humour. This is the person you send ridiculous memes to at 2 a.m., the one who can make any bad day feel a little better. Having someone you can be completely silly with, without fear of judgment, is a rare kind of connection. Laughter makes life easier, and the people who bring it are worth keeping around.
5. The romantic partner who feels like home
Whether it’s a long-term relationship or a deep love that changed you, having a romantic connection that feels safe and fulfilling is one of the most meaningful relationships in life. It’s not perfect — nothing is — but with them you feel seen, understood, and accepted for who you are. The right relationship doesn’t just add romance to your life; it adds stability, comfort, and a sense of belonging. Even if it doesn’t last forever, a love like this teaches you what you deserve in future relationships.
6. The older relative who gives the best advice
Whether it’s a grandparent, an aunt, or an older sibling, having someone in your family who has lived a little longer and seen a little more can be invaluable. They’ve been through ups and downs and can offer wisdom that comes from experience. The best ones don’t just give advice; they listen, support, and help you see things from a bigger perspective. If you have someone like this, make the most of their wisdom while you can.
7. The person who inspires you
Everyone needs someone who makes them want to do better — not out of competition, but because their energy, work ethic, or passion is contagious. This could be a friend, a colleague, or even someone you’ve never met but admire from a distance. Being around people who push themselves encourages you to do the same. Inspiration is powerful, and the people who make you want to grow are worth keeping close.
8. The friend who’s always up for an adventure
Some friendships are built on deep conversations, but others are built on saying “why not?” to spontaneous road trips, last-minute plans, and new experiences. This is the person who reminds you that life isn’t just about routine. Even if you’re not naturally adventurous, having someone who pushes you out of your comfort zone now and then is a great way to keep life interesting. They remind you to have fun, take risks, and enjoy the moment.
9. The colleague who makes work bearable
Work is a lot easier when you have someone you actually enjoy seeing every day. Whether it’s someone you vent to over lunch, joke with during long shifts, or celebrate small wins with, having a work friend makes a huge difference. Even if you don’t stay at the same job forever, these friendships can last beyond the workplace. The right work friend makes even the worst days feel manageable.
10. The person who supports you unconditionally
When things go wrong, there’s always that one person who sticks by you, no questions asked. They don’t need explanations or justifications; they’re simply there, whether you’re at your best or your worst. Knowing you have someone in your life who will stand by you, no matter what is one of the most reassuring feelings in the world. Even if you only have one person like this, it’s enough.
11. The childhood friend who still knows the old you
Life changes, and people grow apart, but there’s something special about the friendships that survive the years. These are the people who remember the version of you before life got complicated — before jobs, responsibilities, and adulthood took over. Even if you don’t talk all the time, there’s comfort in knowing someone out there still remembers who you were and how far you’ve come.
12. The person who teaches you something new
Not all important relationships are about deep emotional connection—some are simply about learning. This could be someone who teaches you a skill, a different perspective, or even a new way of thinking. Having people in your life who introduce you to new ideas keeps you growing. Whether it’s a hobby, a career skill, or a mindset shift, learning from other people helps shape who you become.
