Friendship plays a pivotal role in shaping our lives. While family might be beyond our control, the friends we choose can have a profound influence. As the saying goes, “Your company defines you.” But how can we identify the friends who truly stand by us, especially when life takes a turn for the worse?

In a recent podcast, Dr. Rangan Chatterjee interviewed Sahil Bloom, who shared an insightful perspective on the types of friends one might encounter. He categorizes friends into three groups: leaves, branches, and roots. Let’s take a closer look at what each of these categories means for our relationships.

Leaves: The Seasonal Friends

According to Bloom, leaves are the seasonal friends we encounter in life. These are the people who join us for the ride when everything is going smoothly – during the fun times, celebrations, and moments when it’s easy to be around. However, when a storm hits, these friends disappear as quickly as they came. They are often only present when it’s convenient or valuable for them.

While leaves may seem like good company during happy times, they often cannot be relied upon when we need support the most. It’s a reminder that not every person we consider a friend is truly there for us in every season of life.

Branches: The Fair-weather Friends

Next, there are branches. These friends are somewhere in between. They’re the ones who may be around during the ups and downs of life, but they aren’t as dependable as the roots. You can’t lean too heavily on branches, as they might break under pressure.

In other words, branches are good friends, but they might not have the strength to provide long-term support during tough times. They offer companionship but may not be there when you really need them to weather life’s biggest storms.

Roots: The True Friends

Finally, we come to roots – the friends who are there for us in our darkest hours. These are the individuals who stay grounded, no matter the season. Whether we’re going through personal turmoil, facing financial setbacks, or dealing with heartbreak, roots remain by our side.

True friends are the ones who stand by us when we have nothing left to offer in return. They are the ones who help pick us up when we are down and out, supporting us when the world feels like it’s collapsing. These are the friends you can rely on no matter what.

As Bloom puts it, roots are the friends who will be there when everything else falls apart. They are there during the worst of times – when you’re bankrupt, going through a breakup, or dealing with failure. They offer unwavering support, proving their loyalty and love.

Reflecting on Our Friendships

This categorization of friends raises an important question: Can you identify which of your friends belong to which group? Are you lucky enough to have a friend who acts as your root, standing by you through thick and thin? Or are you surrounded by leaves who only show up during good times? Perhaps some of your friends fall somewhere in between, as branches.

Moreover, it’s worth reflecting on what type of friend you are to others. Are you a leaf, a branch, or a root? Think about how you’ve shown up for your friends in the past and whether you’ve been there for them during their challenging moments. Your self-reflection can help strengthen the bonds you share with those who matter most.

Cherishing the Roots

In a world where it’s easy to get lost in superficial connections, having friends who act as roots is invaluable. If you have a root in your life, cherish them. And, if you can be that root for someone else, you’ll be offering the most meaningful gift of all.

So, which type of friends do you have, and which type are you? Take a moment to reflect on your relationships and consider how you can foster deeper, more meaningful connections in your life.