I Realized Every Gang Of Friends Have These Characters – Which One Are You?

When I sat down to write this post, I got heavily emotional; memories sort of bombarded and I couldn't help but miss the good old days, not with a tear but with a smile on my face. So, let me begin this post by sending lots of love, kisses and warm hugs to my dearest friends who have made my life more beautiful with their presence – I miss you all and I meant it! 

I do not have many, but a handful whom I call my “closest” friends. It’s true that we do not talk or meet often, but whenever we do, we behave the same old way. Yeah, that’s mostly the way things work when you are married and GONE, but the bond still remains. Then there are those friends you make on the way, at different crossroads of life – although time restricts the extent to which you get to know them, you still get along. So I had a wonderful breakfast get together today – bright faces, loud voices, laughter, demonstrations, good food and fun time. To be frank, I did feel sort of odd one out because it was not the gang I usually hang out with, but that also gave me a good opportunity to meet new people and more importantly, observe each one of them closely.

So what makes up a gang? Or what are the right ingredients for that “kick-ass group”? However hard you try or whatever efforts you make, you cannot strike off a great friendship with someone, if it is not mean to happen. Yes, friends just kind of happen. I agree, no friend group is similar, but it so happens that they are yet the same. Today when I was watching them, I was surprised as well as amused at the striking similarity of members in the group– certain characters that are indispensable to any gang and that reminded me of mine.

Well, I sketched that!

Let me start with what I used to be in my friends group and try to describe a few other characters you will find in yours too.

The naive and the blabber box – Well, they are usually the “most loved” or “pampered” in any group, mostly because they are genuinely innocent; for this reason they are also the well protected ones in the gang. They are the less spoken, slightly introvert kind (yeah you got it right, a bit boring or less adventurous) to begin with, but thanks to the rest in the gang, who eventually helps them break free and graduate to “naive and the blabber box” level. During the course of friendship they also learn and mature, or so they believe, but are never able to match up with the rest. They also lack confidence the most.

The wannabe and the self-obsessed – They are basically the attention grabbers, wanting the whole gang to revolve around them, if not praise them (doesn't mean they do not like praises). Whatever you do and say has to have some connection with them, or they will make sure it does. They think they are magnetic, but… well, you know! But buddy, we love you anyway!

The leader and the center of attraction – They are probably the most experienced (of everything right and wrong) in the gang. Yes, every gang needs someone who can be authoritative. They are the “know all” type and mostly the ones who save the day, even if that means putting up a fight or standing up for one! They are the problem solvers, the decision makers and the mother goose of the gang. Apparently, they are the ones who are always broke too.

The follower and the mocked upon – To be frank, they are the sweetest and the purest at heart. May be they are naive too but somehow the need for breaking free comes early to them, which makes them go slightly off the track. They like to follow the leader blindly and in the bargain, tend to cover up their individuality. Whatever they say or do, the gang really doesn't take them seriously, ever! They are also the funniest and the most mocked upon, for reasons best known to them.

The emotional and the drama queen – This requires no explanation; whether it is about them, the gang or anything else, they have to have their dose of daily drama. Not that we have a problem with it, because who wouldn't like a bit of colour and flavour in life? Well sometimes a gang may be lucky enough to get a combination of “the follower and the mocked upon” and “the emotional and the drama queen”. Well, then you’re in for a treat; I think you know what I mean.

The notorious and the street smart – Well, they mean no harm to the gang, but can be utterly devious towards the rest. To put it simple, the bad guy for the outside world. They have their way of doing and getting things done, which the gang itself is oblivious about.

The lazy and the “don’t care” – They are mostly the laid back kind, alright with whatever happens and so with whatever doesn't. They will normally have no opinion to share or decision to make and will be the first one to back off from any plan that rest of the gang agrees to, but mind you, they mean no harm. It’s just the way they are and we are okay with it!

However, as they say, “not all fingers are same”, a happy group needs all such specimens and more. Think about it – can you imagine your gang without one?

So, I said who I used to be (or still am) in the gang. Which one are you?