Global whiskey company Chivas Regal, recently delved into the complex world of male friendships, with the help of London-based thinktank, Bug.
Speaking to a range of men from across the world, the investigation, named, The Evolution of Friendship aimed to uncover the nuances and idiosyncrasies of the modern male friendship and discover how male relationships have developed over time.
Interviewing groups of men from around the world and working with key figures within psychology, the team highlighted six main 'archetypes' within groups of male friends, suggesting that each member of the group has a different role and personality that creates a group's dynamics and, ultimately, harvests great friendships.
But the question is, which profile type are you?
The Pilot
Smart and in control. Always a step ahead.
Likely career area: Management and Directorship
Essentially, The Pilot is the leader of the pack. He is very popular and successful in his career. When deciding on which pub to drink at, The Pilot will have the biggest influence on the decision. If his choice turns out to be a bad one, he will accept the responsibility and move on. Although in control, The Pilot may not always be the most physically or verbally dominant and may sometimes sit back just take note, but once a decision has to be made, it will likely go through him. Although he takes his friendships seriously, he will often be difficult to pin down due to his high social and professional demands.
The Explorer
Open to new things. Thinks outside the box.
Likely career area: Marketing and Design
The Explorer is someone who is always on the lookout for what's new and what's different. He will often be very tech-savvy and be the first to know what's what in pop-culture. He is also likely to have the most followers on Twitter and be the first one with an account on the next social media output.
Although he won't get too involved in the planning, he will likely be the one wanting to try out a new venue half way through the night.
He likely would have been considered a little nerdy when he was younger, but now his creativity has led him to become successful in his career. Although successful, he will not be driven by money or materials, but by experiences.
The Rock
Solid and reliable. His friends are his life.
Likely career area: Human Resources
As the soul of the group, The Rock, has a big influence on its dynamics. His tastes are often classic and his values are traditional. Although modern enough to be involved in technology, he uses it for basic purposes. He will often have to be dragged to that new cocktail bar because he will always prefer the simplicity of a few rounds at the pub.
The group is very important to him and he will always defend them if there is a sense of outside criticism. He is a people person and always has the good of the group in mind.
The Hero
Inspirational. Will stand up for his beliefs.
Likely career area: Journalism and Communications
The Hero is quite similar to The Pilot, but the difference is that The Hero is more diplomatic and will consider the overall feelings of the group as opposed to individual members. His views and values are strong, but likely to be more socialist than capitalist. He will have a big interest in politics and will speak out if he disagrees.
Although he has a sensitive side and has a good understanding of people, he is very honest and doesn't suffer fools. He knows when people are genuine and won't waste his time with superficial friendships, even if they could be advantageous for his career goals.
The Wit
The life of the group. He makes all the jokes.
Likely career area: Sales
The Wit is by far the easiest to spot and the role within the group is often highly desired by men. He is the guy who makes the jokes and keeps everybody entertained. He is good spirited and is not threatened when others poke fun or take some of his limelight, because his main aim in life is to have a good time.
Although a very likeable and social member of the group, he can sometimes overstep the mark by saying the wrong thing at the wrong time, in an attempt to make others laugh. Although he is intelligent and quick witted, he is happy to act a bit silly and always takes things lightly.
However, while he tries hard to keep everybody positive, he will often keep his cards close to his chest and avoid expressing his true feelings. This makes him quite a complex character and their may be more to his life story than he lets on. His happy-go-lucky attitude is often a mask to cover up true heartache.
The Hero
Emotionally intelligent. Supportive of individuals.
Likely career area: Social Work and Counselling.
The Hero is a big lover of family and community and his high personal understanding of feelings shines through. The Hero is in no way a killjoy, but will often sit back, listen and enjoy the banter. He does however, understand when a joke is taken too far and will be there emotionally for others.
The Hero is a character type that has developed recently and is the furthest away from the traditional idea of what is a man. Someone who is very modern and liberal in his cultural values and ideas, The Hero is happy to accept the flaws of his friends and will be happy to guide them in the support they need.
Chivas' report of the investigation suggests that these archetypes are just basic outlines of men. Every group has different dynamics and guys will often mix and switch roles at different times. So the next time you're out with the lads, just take a step back for five minutes and see if you can spot The Pilots from The Coaches and The Wits from The Heroes. If there is one that you can't spot, it may just be you.
The Evolution of Friendship was inspired by two short films about friendship, created by Chivas Regal and Academy Awarding winning film maker, Joachim Back as part of the company's Live With Chivalry campaign. The cinematic films focus on the trials, tribulations and good times of four modern men, capturing the audience in just a few moments. Here's to Big Bear and Here's to Twinkle are certainly worth a watch.
So what character type are you? What do you think? Let us know by commenting or tweeting us @FemaleFirst_UK
James Mellan @jamesmellan1
tagged in Friends relationships Men