There Are Three Types of Friends: Which One Are You?

By: Jennifer Post
Estimated Completion Time
5 min
There Are Three Types of Friends: Which One Are You?
Image: filadendron / E+ / Getty Images

About This Quiz

One of the greatest philosophers in history, Aristotle explored many areas of study during his time at the Platonic Academy. He left there, rumored to be due to Plato's death, and went on to argue the points of the man he looked up to. Plato himself. One of the most poignant areas that Aristotle spoke on was that of friendship. Seems simple, and it seems like Aristotle was so established that he would delve into more complex ideas, but the way he saw it, friendship is one of the most complex relationships in life.

He explained that there were three main types of friends and friendships you'll have throughout your life. There will be friendships of utility, pleasure and goodness. Each one of these friendships will, of course, bring something different to your life, but it won't always be a good thing. Aristotle also emphasized that there are two types that you should seek out more, and one that you should stay away from. While friendships are a personal choice, and each one teaches you something about yourself, there are some that can be more toxic than others. Which type of friend are you, as laid out by Aristotle? Take this quiz now to find out!

What does a typical weekend with your friends look like?
Venting about our weeks
Going out on the town
Helping each other with a project
I don't see my friends every weekend, so there is no typical.

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Are you the kind of person to get jealous if your friends have things you don't?
I'm happy for them.
I hate to say it, but yes.
I only want the best for my friends.
Only in a joking way. I think.

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When you make plans, do you expect your friends to follow through with them?
If I do, they should, too.
I flake a lot so it doesn't matter.
Unless something really comes up
Yes, but I don't get mad if they don't.

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If your best friend moved away, what do you think you'd be losing the most?
The companionship
Uplifting energy
Someone to volunteer with
Brunch and workout buddy

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It's Friday night and you have nothing to do. What do you suggest doing with your best friend?
Seeing a movie
Going to the mall
Going out for dinner
Video games and pizza

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Is there anything you wish people did more of in friendships?
Give as much as they get
Openly admire friends
Admitted defeat
Just let people be themselves

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If you don't talk to your friends every day, do you often lose touch altogether?
Definitely not
Depends on how good the friendship is
I know everyone needs space.
I couldn't handle talking to my friends every day.

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Do you like being taken care of when you're sick or do you prefer to be left alone?
I like when my mom takes care of me.
Left alone
Having company is nice.
Depends on how sick I am

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Do you ever go through periods where you just don't want to have friends?
All the time
I need friends.
It's more that I go through periods where I don't want to hang out with my friends.
Not that I can think of

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Would you tell your friend something that you know they definitely don't want to hear?
I'd want them to do the same for me, so yes.
Probably not
I'd be coming from a good place.
It could only help them.

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Your friend is on thin ice at work and they're worried. How do you try to help?
Get our nails done
Bake them something
Try and do an activity to take their mind off it
Let them vent it out

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In general, would you feel comfortable watching your friend's children?
Hard maybe
Very doubtful
I'd be honored they even asked me.
Maybe if it was only one kid

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What do you look for in a friend?
Someone I have stuff in common with
Someone who can make me a better person
Someone who has the same values
Someone who doesn't judge me

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Is it important to you that you be available for your friends at all times?
Yes! I want them to know I'm there for them.
Nah, I have other things to do.
As much as anyone can be
We have to make plans ahead of time.

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What is the one thing you hope to gain for yourself out of a friendship?
Fun
Confidence boost
A better sense of self
Life experiences

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What's the best way you can think of for your friends to show you they care?
To tell me
Buy me things
Do things I like they may be on the fence about
Just hanging out with me

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How comfortable do you think your friends are asking you for help?
They know they can always ask!
I'm sure they're apprehensive.
I'm always down to help.
I hope they feel comfortable but I'm not sure.

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What's the first thing that comes to mind when you think of your best friend?
I wonder what they're up to?
That I'm proud to be friends with them
How I hope we're friends forever
When I'll get to see them again

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Is it normal to see friends less when you start seeing someone new?
Yes, but I still expect to see my friends.
We can all hang out if I like the person.
It's totally normal.
Yes, but it shouldn't last forever.

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What did you love most about childhood friendships?
They were easy.
How superficial they were
There was far less judgement.
The sleepovers and junk food

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How did you used to spend recess in school?
Getting help with school work
Doing makeup with friends
Tutoring
Starting a group game

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When it comes to sports, do you prefer team sports or individual?
I think individual.
Whichever I'm best at
Team so we can all help each other be better.
It depends on the season.

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Your friend got a drastic hair cut that you don't love, but they're excited about. What do you do?
If they love it, you love it.
Try to give them tips for next time
Keep all of my negative thoughts to myself
I can't hide my facial expressions.

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Are you OK with your best friend having a different best friend than you?
I don't care.
No, that's rude.
They can do whatever they want.
It hurts my feelings, but there's nothing I can do.

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What do you talk about the most with your closest friends?
We vent and try to help each other
Clothes, TV, work
Our hopes and dreams
Literally everything

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Are you the kind of person to send your friends random gifts or letters?
Not unless it's reciprocated
What is this, 1999?
Definitely! It's a nice gesture.
If it's a special occasion

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Once you have your set group of friends, do you really look to expand on that?
I'm always up for new friends.
I stick with what I have.
If they have the same values as the rest of us
Not really, no.

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How do you handle your friend doing or saying something you don't necessarily agree with?
Rethink the friendship
That's totally normal.
Try to figure out their reason for it
You're allowed to disagree with friends.

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How do you like to be approached by your friends with a touchy subject?
With kindness
To not be approached
The truth is always best.
Gently and with concern for my feelings

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If you were to distance yourself from a friend, what would be a main reason for it?
I'm not getting what I need out of it anymore.
I don't feel good in the friendship anymore.
My friend never wants to do anything.
It could be a myriad of things.

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You Got: