As I’m moving forward in life there have been a lot of expected and unexpected changes which vary on their scale of welcomeness. And through these times I’ve come to appreciate the stability and love found in my female friendships.
Romantic and familial love are openly celebrated and lauded in the social narrative. What is often overlooked is the importance of friendships and how they enrich our daily mundane lives. I’ve gathered a cluster of close girlfriends over the years and am in awe of how much value and love they bring to me. To celebrate this bond, here are a few reasons why they are the best blessing.
1. Their understanding and acceptance is unmatched. While the younger years maybe have been scattered with petty arguments and cliqueness, overtime the bubble of friends have all become more tight knit. We have all grown up and are able to understand ourselves and each other much better. After fighting so many battles together, it’s inevitable to form a ‘ride or die’gang that is so accepting. Previously, the subtle differences that may have torn relationships apart are now accepted and understood. This environment of tolerance came with maturity and now provides support not found elsewhere.
2. After understanding each other so well, we feel provided with a safe space to be who we are. I can let my guard down and feel comfortable enough to speak about my vulnerabilities. They are my buffer zone against the real world. We are able to discuss a whole range of problems without being overwhelmed or fearing heavy judgement. It’s a safe space to be both silly and serious. And that space is always there. It is a constant compared to so much else which is uncertain. Be it breakups and promotions, your girls will always be there.
They remain on the sidelines through the marathon of life.
3. Their love envelops and accepts all of you as you are. Granted my friends will intervene if I’m exhibiting harmful or toxic behavior, but they will try a holistic approach of determining the problem instead of jumping to the “my way or the highway” attitude. Because of open communication and understanding, it is easier to navigate problems. We are aware of each other’s’ flaws and irritants and that helps to move obstacles out of the way. And the same love that powers the fight with personal struggles, it also inspires us to do more and be better.
They encourage your dreams, are considerate of your insecurities and sympathetic of your sorrows.
4. Enveloped with support and love,there is so much generosity amongst girls. From little things like keeping a lookout for when their favorite jeans go on sale, or bringing them chocolate after they were craving it on Twitter, girlfriends make an effort to give. It comes from a love that is tapped into each other’s emotional needs. And those needs don’t necessarily have to make sense to each other. My friend from high-school absolutely loves being the center of attention when it’s her birthday. Personally, I find that hard to relate to, but because it means so much to her, our cluster of friends will go out of our way to make it her special day.
5. They are a goldmine of information. I have learned so much of useful everyday life skills from my friends, from social cues to etiquettes to makeup tips. They have actively taught me how to be a better person. Besides directly sharing self help articles or recipes, we also share through experiences. Watching how they deal with a difficult situation gives me insight for when I have to go through the same thing. I am able to vicariously experience different do’s and don’ts of life. It’s a collective conscious. One that can’t be taught by books or schools. And one that springs from love, understanding and inspiration to give and be the very best.
