Describing friendships can be challenging, especially when you're trying to express the varying degrees of connection you have with different people. Knowing the right terms can make it easier to talk about these relationships. In this post, we’ll dive into some of the most commonly used phrases to describe different types of friendships, helping you better communicate the nature of your bonds with others.
1. Acquaintances
An acquaintance is someone you know, but not well enough to consider a friend. This could be a colleague at work whom you’ve spoken to once or twice, or someone you occasionally see at social events. The key thing to remember is that while you know this person, your relationship isn’t deep or personal.
Example:
"John is more of an acquaintance than a friend; we only talk when we bump into each other at the gym."
2. Distant Friends
Distant friends are people you used to be close with but don’t speak to very often anymore. Perhaps you were best friends in school but have since drifted apart. These relationships are often characterised by long periods of no communication, yet when you do reconnect, you still share a bond.
Example:
"Even though Sarah and I are distant friends now, we always catch up like no time has passed when we meet."
3. Long Distance Friends
Long distance friends are those who live far away from you. Despite the physical distance, you maintain a strong friendship through phone calls, messages, or video chats. These friendships require effort to keep alive, but they can be very rewarding.
Example:
"Emma moved to another country, but we’re still long distance friends—we talk every week!"
4. Childhood Friends
A childhood friend is someone you’ve known since you were a kid. These friendships often last a lifetime because they are built on shared memories and experiences from your early years. Childhood friends often know you better than anyone else because they’ve seen you grow up.
Example:
"Tom has been my childhood friend since kindergarten; we’ve been through everything together."
5. Close Friends
Close friends are those you speak with regularly and who know a lot about your life. These are the people you trust with your secrets and who are there for you in both good and bad times. Close friends are like your inner circle—they play a big role in your daily life.
Example:
"Lucy is one of my close friends; I always turn to her when I need advice."
6. Best Friends
A best friend is often considered your closest and most trusted friend. While you may have many close friends, a best friend is usually the one you share the deepest connection with. They understand you better than anyone else, and the bond you share is often described as being like family.
Example:
"Jake is my best friend—we’ve been through thick and thin together."
7. Brother/Sister
While "brother" and "sister" typically refer to your siblings, these terms can also be used to describe people who are extremely close to you, even if they’re not related by blood. When you call someone your "brother" or "sister," it means you see them as family because of the strong bond you share.
Example:
"Maria is like a sister to me—we’re not related, but our bond is unbreakable."
8. Ex-Best Friend
An ex-best friend is someone you were once very close to but are no longer friends with. This term is often used when the friendship has ended due to a fallout or simply growing apart. The relationship might have been very meaningful at one point, but it’s no longer a part of your life.
Example:
"Rachel was my ex-best friend; we drifted apart after she moved away."
Understanding these different types of friendships can help you better express your relationships. Whether you’re talking about your childhood friend, long distance buddy, or ex-best friend, knowing these phrases will make your conversations more precise and meaningful.
So, which one describes your relationship with your bestie? Share this with them and let them know!
Exercise:
Below are a few scenarios describing different types of friendships. Match each scenario with the correct type of friendship from the list provided.
Types of Friendships:
Acquaintances
Distant Friends
Long Distance Friends
Childhood Friends
Close Friends
Best Friends
Brother/Sister
Ex-Best Friend
Scenarios:
Anna and Lisa used to be inseparable during college, but now they only talk a few times a year. However, when they do catch up, it's as if no time has passed.
Mark has known David since they were both five years old. They've gone to the same schools, played on the same teams, and have countless memories together.
Sophia moved to another city for work, but she and Jenna make sure to video chat every weekend and stay updated on each other's lives.
Tom used to be very close with Jane, but after a big argument, they stopped talking and haven’t been in touch for years.
Emily and Sarah see each other at the office occasionally and exchange polite greetings, but they don’t know much about each other's lives.
Carlos and Jake are not related, but they’ve been through so much together that they refer to each other as brothers.
Emma always turns to Chloe when she needs advice or support because Chloe knows her better than anyone else and is always there for her.
Jessica has many friends, but no one understands her better than Alex, who she trusts more than anyone.
Answers:
Distant Friends - Anna and Lisa used to be close, but now they only talk occasionally.
Childhood Friends - Mark and David have known each other since they were kids and share many memories.
Long Distance Friends - Sophia and Jenna maintain a close friendship despite living in different cities.
Ex-Best Friend - Tom and Jane used to be close but are no longer in contact after a fallout.
Acquaintances - Emily and Sarah know each other but are not close.
Brother/Sister - Carlos and Jake consider each other like family, even though they’re not related.
Close Friends - Emma and Chloe have a strong, supportive friendship and talk regularly.
Best Friends - Jessica considers Alex her most trusted and closest friend.
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