The power of sisterhood and friendships with women
At the beginning of the year, like most of you, I made a resolution list. I put down the things I wanted for myself this year and the things I no longer wanted on my life’s resumé. Amongst the list of things I had on the list, there was one particular goal I had that I intended to accomplish early on in the year—cultivating my friendships.
Also, I want to preface this by saying I reference girl friendships in this blog post as “female friendships” several times, even though I hate the word female VERY MUCH. I just think it sounds better than saying “women friendships,” so bare with me yall…
Anyways, I know everyone always says how important friendships are, and as a woman, female friendships are especially important, but they SERIOUSLY are. On my journey to growing closer in my friendships with some of the women in my life, I’ve felt so fulfilled, happy, and understood.
There’s nothing like having a good female friend group, or even just one good girl friend. I feel for you who have never had a fun girls night in, dancing to your favorite songs together, having a good cry/vent session together, and just talking to someone about things that you’ve never talked to anyone else about. This is why female friendships are so important. Women understand each other better than any man will ever understand. The emotional support women bring is always top tier and often stems from the amount of shared understanding we bring to the table.
I remember going through a situation with a guy I was dealing with at the time, and I was so sad and angry about it. I had my two best friends at the time come over and just sit with me and let me be angry, and upset, and sad. And then we got dressed and went out together and my whole mood flipped around instantly. That’s how important having female friendships is.
Think about it. How many times have you thought you’ve been going through a unique experience then you talk to your homegirl and she says she went through the same thing last week? The level of comfortability, safeness, and warmth that brings is unmatched.
I also want to emphasize the way that being around other feminine energy can help you maximize your own strength and feminine energy! There’s just something about hanging with a good girl friend or a group of girls that makes me feel like I can take on any issue ever faced! It’s also a huge stress reliever.
If you’re like me, at some point in time, you might have made a mistake and placed a relationship above your friendships, or have valued a relationship more than time with your friends. If you haven’t, it’s a mistake I don’t advise you to make, twenty-somethings. Often times, women place more value in romantic partnerships than in their friendships, and it becomes a struggle to sustain friendships as they grow older. However, it's always possible to make new connections with women or strengthen existing ones.
I’ve realized the importance of these friendships over the last few years and have dedicated myself to developing my own friendships further. I urge you to do so too! “But Mia, I have anxiety! But Mia, I don’t have friends! But Mia, I hate talking on the phone! But Mia, I don’t know how to develop the friendships I already have!!” I’m here to tell you, don’t worry. If you struggle in building your friendships, I can give you some quick tips that I’ve learned on my journey so far!
Play your role. You can’t develop a relationship with others if the relationship is one-sided. That means you’re going to HAVE to reach out to the other person. If you’re not a phone call person, send them a text! Send them funny videos on socials. Plan a hangout session. You’ll need to do something on your end to show them that their friendship is important.
Consistency is key. Once you start the initial relationship with a person, you’ll have to keep it going! It’s never just a one and done.
Be an active listener. Don’t be that person who does alllllll the talking about themself and no listening. Actually listen to what your friend is saying about themself and engage in the conversation. What’s going on in their life? What’s the latest?
Be an honest friend. Be real! Be yourself, and don’t be a yes man. Real friendships are built on honesty and vulnerability.
Celebrate your friends wins and successes. Simple, doesn’t need an explanation.
If these tips aren’t helpful enough for you, check out this video that may help you more.
I hope this helped you see the value in those friendships!
Love,
Mia, the twenty-something ♡