Six Friends Every Girl Deserves to Have at Their Side

I am a firm believer in the principle of: "everything happens for a reason." Likewise, I feel we take something from every person that comes into our lives. Since my blog is intended to serve as a virtual "friend," I thought it was only right to showcase the special people in my life--the ones who have shaped me into the person that I am today. Separately, they serve a singular function--each with their own strengths. Together, through my voice, I give you the insights of a well-rounded team of experts. I have to say, I am very lucky to have them at my side.

Here are the "Six Friends Every Girl Deserves to Have at Their Side," and the lessons we ought to take from them:

1. The "Eye"--This friend basically doubles as your own personal paparazzi, private investigator and polygraph. Nothing, and I mean nothing, gets past her. She will be the first to warn you about dating any shady characters, and, believe me, a true "Eye" has uncanny reliability. Don't assume she is crazy just because she has no tangible evidence at the time. The crazy part will occur three months from then when you catch said shademiester shaking up with another woman. It will happen, and you will learn to take her advice religiously.

#1 Lesson: No matter how often you "think" you are around your boyfriend, it is not a valid argument for why he could not possibly be cheating on you. There are 24 hours in a day, 7 days in a week...if he wants to find the time, he will. Period.

2. The "Lady"--This friend had perfected the art of being classy--the real kind, not the Franzia chugging version--before her sixteenth birthday. Everything about her, from her delicately manicured toes to the impeccability of her closet, is done with ease. Cussing, eating with one's elbows on the table and attending a party without offering some sort of baked/prepared good in return is just simply intolerable. A true "lady" would put Nicole Kidman, in The Stepford Wives, to shame in her sleep. Yes, I'll admit, there are moments when I check to see if this particular friend of mine has an on/off switch at the base of her neck. She doesn't. Damn it! I know, it is hard to swallow how inadequate I am to her. She really is the epitome of what, on some level as women, we all strive to be. Luckily, being around her not only makes us appear "in better company," it also elicits a sense of urgency, to raise our own personal level of expectation. Therefore, it seems logical to assume that someday--far, far into the future--we may possess these same qualities to some degree in ourselves. In the meantime, don't hesitate to consult with your "lady." She is a perfect complement; the etiquette police to your lie detecting "Eye."

#1 Lesson: Be prepared; playing the part is half the battle.

3. The "Shoulder"--Having a friend like this means always having someone to turn to. She takes the phrase, "having a shoulder to lean on," to the next level. Hence, the name. When you are stranded in the middle of nowhere, she is the one you can call . If she can, she'll come to get you herself--smile included--even if it's in the middle of the night, and her husband is lying next to her shaking his head in disbelief. Need to talk, cry, complain? Whatever the case, she is your girl; always there to listen, understand and give the best advice. A home-cooked meal and some quality Eric Bana fangirling is usually part of the standard package as well. With a true "Shoulder" there is no limit; that instinct to unconditionally support and protect is innate. Those who know her are extremely fortunate. If you are anything like me, you might even owe your existence to her.

#1 Lesson: Figure out who your real friends are--the ones who would do anything for you--and be ready to return the favor.

4. The "Clydesdale"--She's the friend who humbles you without trying, because her kindness, generosity and contentment are unmatched by anyone you have ever known. Working multiple jobs and having only one day off a month is not uncommon. In fact, it's typical. On the outside, she appears docile, but when you get her going--insert martini--she can pack a mean punch. So, whether it's time for your monthly "reality check," or you just need someone to attend the midnight showing of Twilight with, count on her. And know, to be around her is both an honor and a gift.

# 1 Lesson: True happiness comes when we are content with ourselves; it is measured not by how much we own or what we have or haven't accomplished, but by the people who we share our greatest moments with.

5. The "Inspiration"--There's always that friend you "know" will make it. She's the girl who wanted to be the first female President back in junior high, the one who wouldn't take "no" for an answer. She's the girl who single-handedly babysat her way to France, over a single summer in high school, because she didn't want to ask her family for help. She's the same girl who told you she was moving to Hollywood--to become an actress--instead of pursuing the career she had spent four years preparing for in college. What separates this friend from all the rest is that you never, not even for a minute, questioned her judgment. Not once. Not when the outcome was unlikely...or, when the risks clearly outweighed the immediate benefits. Why? Because she inspires hope; you believe in her. A true "Inspiration," also has the ability to make you believe in yourself. She emits a confidence and positivity that makes you forget all the failures you may have faced along the way and focus on the possibilities of the future. Just think, without her you may have given up already.

# 1 Lesson: Don't be scared to follow your dreams. Get out and make it happen.

6. The "Missing Piece"--She is the ying to your yang, the north to your south...she completes the puzzle that is your life. There is no one who can better diffuse a sticky situation than her. No matter if you're upset, angry, confused; she knows how to reach you. It could be something as silly as fake-tossing an apple, while standing against the wall, or knowing the perfect ratio of peanut butter to vanilla soft serve ice-cream. It is impossible to stay mad at her, because it is funnier to acknowledge how idiotic the fight was in the first place. Where you lack in character, she makes up for it. Those differences make you a better person in the long run. She forces you to see yourself in a different light, confront those issues and serves as an example to follow. A true "Missing Piece" will impart harmony in your life, which will replace any toxic, pre-existing influences. This friend is referred to as the "Missing Piece" for a specific reason: she is a catalyst. Having that balance in your life allows for positive growth--something that, as far as I'm concerned, is always welcomed.

#1 Lesson: Our families might be unusual, complicated and just plain difficult, but they are family, and unlike so many other people that come and go in life, they will always be around. Know that and treat them accordingly. Oh, and good thing we didn't let him like us!

FYI, I didn't mention names for the obvious reasons of confidentiality, but I think you all know who you are. Thanks for the wisdom!