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That is an interesting perspective and I do agree. I think that if you look at a groups of women who are friends, there are most likely at least a few of the same typical personalities. I think people don't necessarily realize it but they do all fulfil the same basic needs in their friendships and those needs are usually the same (ex the funny one, the flirty one, the nice one, etc)

Certainly not, as friends should not be chosen by being a type. Most certainly the ideal friend should perhaps be a combination of the types so she may be a nurturer, sometimes a leader and at other times she allows you to help her when in need. Too great a dependence on a girlfriend to solve one's problem will soon be a lopsided relationship that will be doomed to fail.

I see so many different ranges of friends from single and partying to more calm and mom-like friends and even friends who are incredibly religious and conservative. No friend is the same, we are all different in this world but I find it fascinating about the types of friends we end up being drawn to, especially since a lot of mine are nothing like me.

That depends really. Different women may have their own ideas of what types of friends they should have. Personally, two of my friends, who happen to be twins, fit the caretaker who often puts others' needs over their own. I have another friend who does that too, but is also very artsy.

I think there are certainly advantages to having a friendship circle that encompasses many different personalities. It may not be necessary but it does encourage growth and learning. I applaud the author for her portrayal for the friendships in this book.

Other than 'fly fishing', I'm not sure what the author was attempting to illustrate to us the readers. But I certainly have a Rose and Veronica in my life and not too many Sophies, Amandas and Melodys as a similar range of personalities within my network.

There are no specific types of friends that each woman should have. One's personality determines the kind of friends she should have. Well, some people don't have any friends...only acquaintances.

Miriam Molina wrote: ↑05 Feb 2018, 15:29 It's the fly fishing that got everybody together, not that each planned to have specific personalities to be friends with. In my own life, I can identify a Rose, a Veronica, an Amanda, and a Melody. I think I'm a Sophie. Friends are a necessity in this harried world we live in. My friends and I can't afford an expensive hobby, but a videoke night would make a memorable reunion. (Just make sure you have enough mikes.)

I love this comment! I can identify a few of my friends with similar personalities to those in the book as well.

CommMayo wrote: ↑08 Feb 2018, 13:54
Because of my personality, I've always gravitated towards being friends with men. I don't like shopping, make up, or sitting around talking about "female" things. I'm generally better friends with my husband's friends than I am with their wives. I just have always just clicked with men more. It hasn't been until my 30's that I've started gravitating towards more friendships with other women.

I am very much like you. I tend to relate more with men. My husband gets along with women better. Who says we have to have a specific type of friend. I have many - both men and women. All ages, backgrounds, races, etc.
I have friends who are like me and I have friends who are very opposite. A mix is nice because those who are like you can relate to you. Those who are different than you can help you see another perspective. I guess the most important thing is to have people you can do life with.

Having friends with these personality archetypes will be harder for me. I am an introvert, so having a lot of different friends isn't part of who I am.

Great question! I don't know if it is necessarily types of friendships that a woman "should" have or rather friendships that a woman "could" have. I think it is great that the author included such a variety in personalities and backgrounds for each of these women. It shows that even unlikely of people can find something in common and become very close friends. The group as a whole works so well because they each bring something unique to it.

I think we should simply have friends we care about instead of trying to think about people as "types of friends one should have". Just be friends with who you get along with instead of classifying people by types, I'd say.

I think the writer just wanted a good range of friends. Any ideal “perfect balance” will likely have some people that don’t agree or that would more comfortable with a different gathering of friends. In this story, sometimes it felt the situation was biggest differentiator of the characters in the group. There personal thoughts generally went back to the same situations. Sophie called V a city girl and Veronica used the label herself. Aside from Melody with inner conflict of “to do this or not to do this” and constant language in thought or mouth, I wonder if the first four reel sisters could switch roles and essentially be the same person, as their new situation would dictate.

I think the type of bond these women created is very unique. It's not likely many people have the opportunity to have a group of friends like this. However, I do think that many people might have different types of friends from different activities. Everyone needs an older, wiser friend to guide them, a friend that supports them and takes care of them, and a friend to bring out their wild side.

Having different personalities in your circle of friends is nice, but not always possible. Being a woman belonging to Eastern culture and background, but a full-time career in healthcare and kids ranging from teenagers to young children meant I had no time to nurture friendships. I realize what a blessing friends are. Friendships happen spontaneously but need active effort and time, like the characters in the story have for each other.