Alright, picture this: you’re single. Forever. The end. Kinda bleak, right? But honestly, it’s not the worst thing ever. We’ve all been single at some point, and a lot of us in relationships will find ourselves single again someday. Plus, some folks are totally cool with being single for most of their lives and don’t feel like they’re missing out.
Now, let’s switch gears. Imagine you wake up tomorrow and all your friends are gone, like they all mysteriously vanished on the same flight over the Russia/Ukraine border. Or maybe they threw you a surprise pizza party and, whoops, the oven exploded, taking everyone with it. Yikes!
Being single forever? That could be rough, but you can still have a pretty awesome life. Lots of people do. But being friendless? That’s a whole different story and not a fun one.
We spend a ton of time and energy on romantic relationships because they’re super intense. We analyze every little interaction. But how often do we stop and think about our friendships? Are we surrounded by good people or just a bunch of jerks?
So, I whipped up this article to break down friendships: what they are, why we have them, what they’re worth, and why they can go right or wrong.
Level 1: “Hey, I Know You… Sort Of”
This is that person you kinda recognize but can’t remember ever talking to. Think security guards, people you see in the elevator, or your mailman. You know them, but you don’t really know them.
Level 2: “Let’s Smile and Nod”
These are the folks you share a casual “Hey, how’s it going?” with. They’re your coworkers, your neighbor, or that friend of a friend. You chat just enough to keep things friendly because it makes life easier. They’re acquaintances—useful for small favors but not exactly your dinner buddies.
Level 3: “Hey, We Like the Same Stuff!”
Now we’re getting somewhere! These are people you actually hang out with because you share interests. Whether it’s a hobby, your kids’ school, or a sports team, you enjoy each other’s company while focusing on something you both like. These friendships are fun and can last a while, but they can be fragile if you stop sharing that common interest.
Level 4: “We Get Each Other”
Level 4 friendships go deeper. You not only share interests but also values and life experiences. Spending time with these friends feels easy and natural. You can joke around and share your thoughts without worrying about being judged. These friendships can last for years, but they can change if something big happens in your life, like getting married or having kids.
Level 5: “We’re Like Family”
These are the rare friendships that feel unbreakable. No matter what life throws at you—jobs, moves, or personal changes—this bond stays strong. You might not see each other for a while, but it doesn’t matter. These friendships are usually formed in childhood and are hard to replicate as adults.
A Few Extra Thoughts
Some people only have low-level friendships, which can feel pretty superficial. They know a lot of people but don’t have any deep connections. Others might only have high-level friendships, which can happen if they’re shy and don’t reach out to more people.
The truth is, we need a mix of all types of friendships to be healthy. If we’re friends and I see you as a Level 4 but you see me as a Level 3, we’re probably stuck at Level 3. It’s all about how we engage with each other.
So, there you have it! Friendships come in all shapes and sizes, and it’s important to figure out where everyone fits in your life.
