Annya's Enchanted Realities

They say that, “The people you spend most of your time with are the ones that define who you are.” If that is the case, then finding the right tribe is one of the most critical choices you will ever make. The importance of friends cannot be overstated, as the people you surround yourself with significantly influence your growth. Some people think of friendship qualities as simply sharing jokes and fun activities. However, these relationships also shape your attitude, decisions, and even propel or pull you in certain directions. So here’s my take on the types of friends you need in your life to level up and grow.

1. The Friend You Can Share Your Fantasies With

We all have thoughts we keep to ourselves—dreams, fears, maybe even a secret crush (we’ve all been there!). But then, there’s that one friend with whom you feel safe sharing your deepest, darkest secrets and wildest fantasies. Why? Because they do the same with you. The trust is mutual, and the connection runs deep. There’s no fear of judgment, just an unspoken understanding that makes your friendship truly special.

2. The Friend Who Puts You at Ease When You Feel Down

When you’ve lost all hope and your world comes crashing down, there’s always that one special friend you run to. Whether it’s through humor, long walks, deep talks, or simply their calming presence, they have a way of lifting you up. Their presence alone feels like therapy, reminding you that even the darkest days don’t last forever. This friend embodies the importance of friends who support you, especially when you need it the most.

3. The Friend Who Never Judges Your Decisions

Life is all about making choices, and let’s be real—you won’t always get them right. But there’s that one friend you always turn to because they never judge you for the decisions you make. They don’t criticize you to the point of making you feel small; instead, they support you. They stand by you no matter what, because they have complete faith that, in the end, you’ll find your way. When considering how to choose friends, make sure you pick those who uplift and encourage you.

4. The Friend Who Holds Your Hand and Nudges You in the Right Direction

Then there are those friends who don’t just sit back and wait for you to figure things out on your own. They know you too well for that. Instead, they give you the nudge—or sometimes the push—you need to move forward in life. They’ll do whatever it takes to remind you of your worth and help you see the value of making healthy choices. They ensure you don’t settle for less than you deserve. They believe in you—even when you don’t. This is one of the most important friendship qualities to look for.

5. The Friend Who Keeps You Motivated

This is the friend who’s always been in your corner, pushing you to do better. When you felt like quitting, they reminded you why you started in the first place. They celebrate every milestone—no matter how small—and constantly encourage you to strive for more. Their energy is infectious, making you want to push your limits. Friendship qualities like this are a constant source of motivation, helping you push through even the toughest times.

Question: Which type of friend do you think you are to others? How do you show up for your friends?

The Friends Who Made All the Difference

If you have even one friend who embodies all these friendship qualities, believe me—you’ve hit the jackpot. Friendships like these are rare gems, shaping who we are and helping us grow in ways we never imagined.

I’m lucky to have some incredible friends who have walked with me through life’s ups and downs. So, let me take a moment to introduce a few of them:

• Jeen Sukumar – My bestie since third grade. Our friendship is one of the most special things in my life. We’re still in touch, and if you read my recent blog where I mentioned my bestie making my birthday cake—yep, that was her!
• Anto – Friends since 2007, he’s been my rock, my sounding board, my partner in crime, and my confession taker. He never judges me—only supports, appreciates, and motivates me. But when I mess up? Oh, he makes sure I know exactly what I did wrong and kicks my behind to get me back on track.
• Chandru Krishnan – My ‘scientist friend.’ From colleagues to besties, our bond has only grown stronger. Even if he’s not physically present for my big moments, he always shows up when I need him the most. When I was going through a dark phase, his words pulled me back to the light.
• Bhuvana – I call her Maami (Brahmin girl). We started as co-workers, and fun fact—when she first met me, she thought I was rude. Fast forward, we became roomies, drifted apart for a while, then became roomies again. Definitely my partner in crime! I even got her hooked on TikTok (don’t worry, she’s finally moved on from her TikTok addiction—kind of!). One thing I admire most about her? She’s brave. She never holds back and always calls me out when I make bad decisions, making sure I find my way back.

There are so many other friends I could write about, but if I start, this list will never end!

Now, I want you to take a moment and think about your friends—the ones who pull you from the dark, nudge you in the right direction, and make life a little brighter. Cherish them. Call them. And drop a comment below sharing how you feel about them right now. 

Friendships are the foundation on which we build ourselves. Make sure the ones around you help you level up!