Call me a sucker, cheesy, cornball, whatever, but last year, I was here, spilling all of my sad girl emotions over the film industry and how black, “feel good” movies had recently become nonexistent. The universe was obviously listening because this year, I’m back with less resentment and more joy after seeing one that would make up for all lost time. You guessed it! I finally strapped on my boots and went to see the highly anticipated film, Girls Trip. And so should you!
If you haven’t been living under a rock, then you’ve probably already seen or heard how amazing it is. And as a self-proclaimed romantic comedy connoisseur, I’m here solely to gas the film up even more by confirming how great I felt walking out of the theater. Girls Trip not only made me smile and laugh ridiculously, the scenarios in the movie also made me feel super relatable and connected as if I were right there in New Orleans with my friends too. Plus, as unfortunate as it is, we all know the Ryan Pierce predicament a little too well. I know I do. Been there. Done That.
The film’s accuracy and depiction of what real friendship and sisterhood looks like in the black community reminded me how crucial it is to have a good support system and friends as down as Sasha, Dina and Lisa. Whether you’re a girl or a guy, everyone needs a Flossy Posse to hold them down. Inspired by the movie, Girls Trip, here are a four friends you’ll need on your path to greatness.
The Peacemaker
Hold the cheese, because this one’s probably vegan or committed to some other humane or environmentally conscious movement. Every time you two talk or get together, they expose you to some new, holistic practice or bazaar lifestyle change they just got into. They’re normally out of touch with what’s in style, and it's OK, because their only mission in life is to make you feel their love. Peace and good vibes are this one’s priority and in the event of an argument or disruption, they’ll be the first to yell, “Can’t we all just get along?”
They may come off as the mom or least adventurous one in your circle of friends, but don’t be surprised if, and when, someone ever tries to hurt you and their sweet and innocent demeanor goes out of the window. They’re also a known advocate for nonviolence, but for you, they’d be the one to throw the first punch. You being happy is all that matters to them and no one can threaten that when they’re around.
Their light, delicate energy is both contagious and necessary, especially when you’re feeling pretty crappy about the series of unfortunate events that happens along your journey. This friend specializes in making you feel special, boosting your confidence, and is always conscious of your feelings. If you ever need some compassion, you know who to call.
The Realest
Flattering, charm and compassion from one friend can be a nice, and sometimes necessary stroke of the ego, but you won’t get very far having a bunch of "Yes Men" around you. This is where your brutally honest “I’m just keeping it real” friend shines bright. Much like the Peacemaker, they care deeply about you. In fact, they love and recognize your value so much that they’re even a little overprotective and upset when you settle.
They’re not about kissing your butt and patting you on the back while the rest of the world plays the role of the fake friend. They don’t mind hurting your feelings or calling you up to spill the tea on your man and his unhealthy obsession with the hotty thotty from Instagram, no matter how much you think you love him. It may sound harsh, but don’t write your rude, straightforward friend off just yet. 9 times out of 10, if they’re thinking it, someone else is too. They’re just bold enough to say it. Don’t take it personal.
The good thing about friends like this is while you don’t always have to agree with their opinions or take their unwanted advice, you can always count on them to tell you the truth. And don’t be surprised. Ironically, these bulls are usually the first to clap for you and will be brave enough to defend you in your absence. Keep them around.
The Miracle-Worker
You finally quit or lost your day job because you just can’t stop daydreaming about what you really want to do in life. You attracted some really unfortunate situation because of your hella low frequencies and vibrations this week. You declined dinner for the fifth time, or you’re already skipping meals because business is slow and money is funny. Sound familiar? Of course it does. You want to be great. If your big idea was easily funded, slightly less stressful or inexpensive, you might could go without this friend. Then again, you couldn’t because this one, you know is a godsend.
It’s like the moment you feel your stomach introduce itself to your back, they magically appear out of thin air inviting you over because they “cooked,” or show up with some basic necessity you thought you were strong enough to live without. They’re the planner, the goal-oriented, responsible one who seemingly has it all together. They remind you that it’s OK to ask for help and that it's also OK to rediscover yourself and the possibilities. Your ego doesn't always want them around, but you need them around because they inspire you and challenge you to be better person. They want to do whatever it takes to see you, and whoever they're around, to live life to the fullest.
Regardless of what you’re going through in your ridiculously prideful, personal life, they don’t care about it. They’ve got their door wide open at all times without judgment. They’re only angry you didn’t let them know sooner.
The Life of the Party
While you’re on your way to greatness, it’s natural to gravitate towards those who dream just as big as you do—friends who make you wonder, think more expansively, or want to be a better person. The being "cautious of the company you keep" thing is huge deal, right? Right. But here’s an unpopular opinion: Sometimes, you don’t need all that.
You don’t need anyone to remind you of the same things you constantly obsess over, like your love life, how crappy society may be, or how far behind in life you are in comparison to the rest of your friends. Sometimes you just need laughs and unsolicited fun that doesn’t require a brain. Having a childish, aloof “down for whatever” friend in your corner will remind you not to take life, or yourself, too serious all the time.
They’ll be the one responsible for making the experiences you share memorable, and destined to keep your spirits lifted—in some cases, both literally and figuratively. They even make you feel like you’ve found someone who, in their own little way, is crazier than you are and remind you that you don't have to have it together all the time. They’ll make you turn up, smile, seize the moment, have an amazing time, and thank God for the ability to do so. Who doesn’t need that?
If you’ve got a Lisa, Sasha, Ryan, and even a Dina around, call them up and spill the beans on how much you love and appreciate them because real friends are really hard to come by.
I want to know, which friend are you? Leave a comment and tag your 'Girls Trip' crew below!
