Friendship has always played a vital role in enhancing our health and well-being, yet nurturing the bonds over a lifetime can be challenging. As we navigate our busy lives, it becomes harder to make and keep friendships.

Also no one friend can fulfill every need. We require a diverse set of friends to meet our emotional, social, and intellectual needs. I came across a fascinating episode of Anna Goldfarb’s Podcast on ‘Modern Friendships’. What caught my attention is the interesting water-themed metaphors she uses to classify friendships. In this article, I discuss the various water-themed categories of friendships.

According to Anna, friendships can be classified into two main categories — Memorial and Active. Memorial friendships are the ones for whom you have great regards for but are not in touch very often, while active ones you are frequently in touch for shared interests and hobbies. Further, she uses thought-provoking water-themed metaphors to classify friendships.

Bathtub Friends: They’re 1 or 2 friends who are your close confidants with whom you share a deep and intimate connection. They know your secrets, understand your quirks, and embrace your wild side. It’s akin to sharing a bathtub, where vulnerabilities are shared and emotional support flows freely. All through these years my spouse has been my emotional anchor accepting me for who I am and providing a constant source of comfort and support through testing times.

Jacuzzi Friends: These are 3 to 5 individuals who bring energy and excitement into your life. They are the ones you frequently enjoy during adventures or fun activities. While the bonds aren’t deeply emotional, you enjoy each other’s company in social settings. They often encourage you to step out of your comfort zone and try out the new. The novel and shared experiences create joyful memories and a sense of camaraderie.

Swimming Pool Friends: They consist of your networking contacts or hangout buddies numbering around 10 to 20. They serve as your social network occupying calendar space and play a valuable role in your social life. While you may not share your innermost thoughts, they make casual get-togethers, networking meets and group outings meaningful and offer a sense of community. Such friends also offer perspective, ideas and advice when needed, and their presence alleviates your social experiences.

I appreciate each category of friendship for the value they bring and the role they play in my life. By understanding these categories, you can also better recognize how your connections contribute to your personal growth, happiness, and well-being.