The 5 Types of Friends Every Man Needs

By Matt Ritter, Co-Host of the Man of the Year Podcast
Estimated read time: 3 min

Not All Friendships Are Created Equal

In adulthood, friendship stops being about proximity—and starts being about purpose.

You don’t need a massive crew. You need a handful of people who play different roles in your life. A well-rounded “friendship portfolio” brings out the best in you, holds you accountable, and makes life less lonely and more meaningful.

Here are five essential types of friends every man should have.

1. The Truth Teller

This is the friend who calls you on your BS. He’s honest, even when it’s uncomfortable. When you’re about to repeat a mistake or spiral into bad habits, he says something.

You don’t always like hearing from him—but you always need to.

This kind of friend keeps you grounded and helps you grow. He’s not a critic—he’s a mirror.

2. The Hype Man

He believes in you—even when you don’t.

He hypes your half-baked business idea. He sends the fire emoji on your gym selfie. He tells you you're crushing it when you’re questioning everything.

This isn’t delusion. It’s optimism. And every man needs someone who reminds him of his best self.

3. The Ride-or-Die

You don’t talk every day. Maybe not even every week. But if you needed him at 2 a.m., he’d be there—no questions asked.

This friend shows up. In the hard moments. In the clutch moments. He doesn’t need context. He’s already on his way.

4. The New Blood

This is someone newer in your life—maybe a coworker, a neighbor, or someone from a recent chapter. They bring fresh perspective. They challenge your thinking. They expand your world.

Don’t underestimate the power of new friendship. Growth often shows up in unexpected people.

5. The Historian

This friend has known you forever. He remembers your high school haircut. Your worst date. Your first heartbreak.

He’s not just a friend—he’s living memory. You don’t have to explain yourself with him—he already knows. These relationships are rare, and they’re priceless.

Bonus: The 4 PM Friend

This is the guy you text at 3:58 p.m. because you need to get out of your head—or your house.
He’s down for a walk, a Target run, or just a quick vent session on the corner.

No big emotional labor. No need to “catch up.” Just movement, banter, and maybe a cold brew.

Everyone needs a low-stakes hang in their friendship lineup. Someone who’s down to just be.

Final Thought

You don’t need 20 close friends. But having a mix of friendship types? That’s a social cheat code.

If you’re missing one or two, that’s okay. Now you know what to look for—and who to invest more time into.

Want to build stronger friendships—with real depth and direction?
Start the 7-Day Friendship Challenge — a free guide to help you level up the relationships that matter most.