Regarding listicles: Many people have a dislike for listicles, associating them with low-quality, clickbait articles. However, in reality, lists can be an effective format for articles, as I have been using this format even before it became popular. Lists can still offer quality content despite the negative connotations often associated with them. So, when a list is the best format for a post, Blue Jay Blog will utilize it, regardless of how it may appear.

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During childhood, high school, and college, friendships tend to form effortlessly as a result of shared experiences and proximity. In college, the environment is conducive to forming close bonds due to consistent interactions and a setting that promotes open communication. However, as life progresses, friendships tend to become more defined and categorized.

As individuals mature, the friends in their lives often fall into distinct tiers:

At the peak of the “life mountain,” in the green zone, reside your Tier 1 friends—individuals who are like family. These friends are your closest allies, the ones you turn to first in times of need, those you cherish despite their flaws, and with whom your relationship remains steadfast over time. However, Tier 1 friends may also include individuals who can have a significant negative impact, making this tier emotionally charged.

In the yellow zone below, you have Tier 2 friends—your pretty good friends. These friendships are more relaxed compared to Tier 1, involving occasional meet-ups and casual interactions. While enjoyable, these friendships may not be as deeply rooted as Tier 1.

In the orange zone on the lower part of the mountain, Tier 3 friends, or not really friends, reside. These are individuals with whom your connection is superficial, often limited to group settings or social media interactions.

Within Tier 3, relationships blend into acquaintances in the pink zone—people you know casually but don’t engage with on a personal level. Beyond this point lie strangers, with whom you have no prior connection.

Each individual’s mountain of friendships varies based on personal experiences. Examples include:

Walled-Off Wally:

Phony Phoebe:

Unabomber Ulysses:

As individuals navigate through their 20s and beyond, making new friends becomes challenging. Friendships formed in earlier years play a crucial role in shaping a person’s social circle and support system. The quality and depth of these friendships often determine the overall satisfaction with one’s social connections.

Assessing friendships based on the “Does This Friendship Make Sense” graph may reveal some unconventional relationships that exist:

1) The Non-Question-Asking Friend

2) The Friend in the Group You Can’t Be Alone With Under Any Circumstances

3) The Non-Character-Breaking Friend You Have to be “On” With

4) The Double-Obligated Friendship

5) The Half Marriage

6) The Historical Friend

7) The Non-Parallel Life Paths Friendship

The various forms of friendships described embody the complexities and dynamics that can exist within relationships. Each type offers a unique perspective on the nature of human connections and how individuals navigate the intricacies of friendship in their lives.