Ronan Keating made a song out of the fact that ‘Life Is A Rollercoaster’. We can’t always predict what’s around the corner but we do know that with a trusty friend by our side, chances are we’re going to be ok. But any lady worth her salt knows that we can thank our sanity (ok, the fact we’re not incarcerated) down to some select women who have made a welcome stamp on our lives. We present to you the ladies who happen to be the shining light at the end of the tunnel (normally with a mojito in hand)… The College Roomie You both looked startled at the prospect of cooking your own dinners and working out the washing machine. You also shared every heartache, bad exam and hilarious anecdote from library study sessions. This girl has seen you mid-sugar high rushing to meet your deadline and was the first to welcome you back from Christmas break with tea and toast. After four years she knows you inside out, and when to avoid you too! Hold onto this lady – she was there from the start and will celebrate every milestone along the way. Shoulder To Cry On Heartache, boy trouble, girl trouble, family frenzies and all the little hurdles thrown our way. It’d be easy to be discouraged, but then we have this friend who is just a text or call away. She knows EXACTLY what to say and wraps you up in her words of comfort. You’re pretty sure she’s hiding a halo, there’s no way someone is this sweet and caring. But she is, and you count yourself blessed to call her a friend. Partner In Crime She’s dragged you out for ‘just the one’ and you’ve ended up eating chips at 5am on the walk home. Tequila is usually your date for the night and there’s at least three bathroom selfies (don’t judge – we all do them) Keep this lady close, she knows too many secrets to let go! Childhood Friend Before selfies, dancefloors or boyfriends, your first true love was this girl who knew every word to the Spice Girls and probably had a dance routine for it too. You both wore dodgy combination outfits, and there was always a spot for her at the dinner table. She was basically your twin. Twenty years later and she’s still the girl you cancel every other plan for when she’s popping up for the weekend. The Gig/Dance Class/Gym/ Organiser Friend It’s a simple fact that if we didn’t have this lady planning routine adventures or scheduling in a dance class we wouldn’t have half the fun we manage to cram into a week. She’s texting you on Tuesday to plan the weekend ahead and you secretly love her for it. There’s nothing she can’t organise. You only fear for your hen party. It’s going to be WILD. The Friend Who’s Been There… … And likely worn the t-shirt. With every coming-of-age dilemma, you turn to this friend with the warmth, experience and guidance that will see you through those life moments. Usually with a really good hug and a cup of tea. She’s your second mother, and you’d be totally lost without her. The BEST Friend It never really matters what stage in life you meet your best friend, you know it when you’ve found her. She loves you despite the fact that you’re ALWAYS late, and even lets you borrow that handbag you’ve been eyeing in her wardrobe when it’s a special occasion. She’s the comfort text that comes through when you’ve been waiting by the phone for the call that’s never coming from the lad you met in the bar. She’s also the person that will see you through all the toughest times in your life and plaster a smile across your face. You can’t always know what life is going to throw at you, but you’re going to get through it. Mainly ‘cause you have a soulmate, and she’s pretty amazing.