Lifestyle

5 Empathetic Girlfriends You Need By Your Side During A Breakup

by Amy Horton

We all get by with a little help from our friends. And there is no time when this is more true than when you're going through a breakup.

While your romantic relationships may not always last, hopefully, your friendships will. They are what help you through these devastatingly difficult times.

Different people will fill different voids in your life while you’re getting back on your feet. These are the five kinds of girlfriends you absolutely need to have pull you along:

1. The “Boyfriend” Girlfriend

This is your life partner, your wifey and your best friend. When you’ve lost the most important person in your life (next to her, of course), she steps up to fill the void. That’s what you do for each other.

Every woman needs this friend in her life because she's the one who helps you through all of your hardest times.

And you will do the same for her because that’s what best friends do. She reminds you how strong, capable, amazing and resilient you are.

Until you get to where you can believe that again, she’s there to prop you up, bring you bottles of wine, hug you and make you laugh.

2. The “Hater” Girlfriend

Almost as indispensable as your wifey (at least in the beginning stages of grief) is the friend who reminds you why you two broke up in the first place.

It’s easy to become clouded with sadness and distorted memories when you’re missing someone. She’s there to act as the harsh one, the one who satisfies the petty desires you’re ashamed to admit to anyone else.

She understands that even though you don’t hate your ex, you want to hear he’s chubby, sad and forever single. She hates him so you don’t have to hold onto those ugly feelings in your heart.

This friend is invaluable, as she reminds you of his lame qualities when all you can remember are the great times you shared. She may not take you over to the dark side, but she provides you with some much-needed levity.

3. The Voice Of Wisdom

This is usually a friend with some age and/or extensive relationship experience on you. She knows all breakups are different. She knows you don’t want to hear, “You’re going to be okay,” or “You should be thankful” from anyone.

She understands platitudes won’t work right now. You aren’t going to listen to them, anyway.

Instead, this gem offers constructive advice and ways to help you grow and heal. She draws your attention away from him and toward yourself.

However, her ways are subtle. If she shoves the medicine down your throat, you’ll run and never look back.

She is spiritual, self-exploratory and has a wealth of knowledge from her own tough past to share. Listen and take it for what it is. There will no judgement or preaching, simply soul sharing.

4. The Fun-Time Girl

Yeah, maybe you aren’t 22 anymore, and going out to get crazy isn’t your thing. This friend doesn’t have to serve that purpose.

The point is that she gets you out of the house to live your life. She invites you on adventures you can’t turn down, no matter how morose you feel.

You don’t need the hangovers because they don’t make you feel any better. You need to know the person you just lost is not the only playmate and companion you have.

There are novel and exciting journeys to explore, whether you're single or not. Branch out. This girl is ready and willing to be by your side the entire way.

5. The Eternal Optimist

Sometimes — especially in the dark, horrible beginning — you need to feel some hope for the future, even if you know there is none. There should always be a kind-hearted friend in your circle who can provide grounded optimism and cautious hope.

Yes, it’s true you never know what life will bring. Even in the most hopeless of situations, these thoughts can buoy you along, until you are far away enough from the situation to see clearly again.

She offers objective enthusiasm and balanced input, always making you feel like you did the best you could, and it’s no one’s fault. Somehow, you will leave the conversation feeling justified, uplifted and comforted, even if only temporarily.

Keep this one close by; you’re going to need her.

It’s paramount to build a strong support group as you grow up. That way, you and your friends will always be there for each other, no matter what life brings.

Nothing is more integral to life than wonderful friends. Make sure to have these five women, among others, in your life.

You can never have too many girlfriends.