Anatomy of a boys group

Before we start, let me "technically" put to you the meaning of a "boys group". Well, it can be a man's group just as well, but putting it across as "boy" feels younger, that's all. Basically, this term here means a group of male friends, usually a very closely knit group of friends. Ones who always hang out with each other. Inseparable (except by the feminine forces). Usually, friends for life.

Being in a boarding school from the age of 8, I have been a part of many such groups. And I am glad that I am still in touch with a lot of my friends - be it from school, high school, college, or work. There's probably nobody who can understand me as well as my buddies, and I'm sure they'll say the same about the rest of us.

So, being a part of many such groups, I think there's always a set of characters in any such group. I mean, if the group is not big enough to accommodate all of those characters, then many-a-times, one person dons the role of many such characters with utter flawlessness. And those chaps normally are the most loved and popular in the group.

Let's take a look at some of the characters that I've been able to identify so far:
1) The Joker
The funny bone of the group. Always smiling, and managing to make people smile, never mind if it was not intentional! Always up to some mischief, the laugh riot that actually blasts the blues away. That’s him.

2) The Genius
The most intelligent guy in the group. The one we all rush to, for borrowing notes a night before the final exam, for clearing our doubts, for teaching us what and how of almost anything. Basically, the guy who helped you pass your exams. Never mind if you passed by a mark, and not at all if all The Genius managed was a mere second class!

3) The Booze Tank
He’s the one who’ll never go down, at least not by drinking booze! The guy who always manages to remain sober after a drinking session. The last man standing, although he most definitely drank the most. And usually the guy who cleans up the mess created by others’ booze!

4) The Fighter
The hot-headed guy who can’t take another guy eye-balling him, or any of his friends for that matter. Usually a guy who cares the most for his friends, and will do anything for the group. It’s just that he somehow got the temper of a monkey, and the strength of a lion. All for a good cause.

5) The Chimney
This guy will practically smell of cigarette smoke, always. One who can’t have enough of cigarettes, not now, not ever. The guy people normally run to for cigarettes. IF this guy doesn’t have it, then the only option is to go to the shop a long while away!

6) The Good Boy
Mr. Sensible he is. The ideal son. The ideal student. Does everything right, always makes the right choices. Stays away from trouble. Normally the guy people go to for advice. One who’s bound by his principles.

8) The Casanova
The lady killer! A hit among the girl crowd, usually the best looking guy in the group. But has the uncanny talent of romancing more than one girl at the same time. And manages to make the girls believe that it’s only her that he’s seeing! That’s talent!

9) The Dreamer
The boy with the big dreams. The one who wants the world at his feet, and spends much of his time building his dreams, from scratch, everytime. You can look into his eyes and see that this guy will definitely stand out, because this is the boy who dares to dream.

10) The Lover Boy
He’s the Senti-Mental guy. One who lets his heart do the thinking and the talking. Usually head-over-heels in love with his dream princess, and will do anything for her. For instance, waking up at 6AM to visit the neighbourhood temple in the freezing cold! :)

11) Mr. Talented
The guy who probably isn’t as good with the books as he probably is with the co-curricular activities. Like singing, guitar, football. Multi-talented, the trophy of the group. The star.

12) The “Chaatu”
The guy who literally bores you with his talk. Can happen under normal circumstances, or under the influence of alcohol! But when he starts to speak, people normally run away!

These characters have been picked from the various groups that I've been fortunate to have been associated with. And I'm sure that you will also identify with some of the above characters in your group (current, or ex). For all I know, it was my years with my friends in hostels which instilled a sense of discipline in me. A sense of belonging in the hostel dungeons. A faith in friendship. A cause to fight for. The true meaning of “United we stand, divided we fall” phrase.

Think about your friends who fit the role, think about the good times you had, think about how you still laugh out loud remembering those funny moments, think about why you haven’t kept in touch. And always remember, they’re just a phone call away. What the heck! They’re just an SMS away! :)

So, smile, and share people! It’s an imperfect world after all!