The Support Women Get in Friendships.

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The beauty of adulting is discovering the sham and lies that have been fed to us for years. We grow up hearing that women are their own worst enemies. We hear and see stories of women tearing each other down and betraying each other, often for a man. Therefore, we learn not to trust each other as women. A conditioning that you later realise as an adult is a complete lie.

Like anything else depicted in the media and news, there are always three sides to the story, but we only get one. What society tries to hush down is that there is nothing as beautiful and essential as female friendships. Luckily, we are living in an era where women’s voices are louder, and they all echo the importance of female friendships.

The Unique Power of Female Friendships.

Michelle Obama, the former First Lady of the United States of America and the author of the best-selling book, ‘The light we carry,’ is a huge advocate for female friendship. She says that she has a set of friendships that she has accumulated throughout her life and refers to them as her ‘Kitchen Cabinet’. She says they’ve been there through it all. Helping her navigate life as a lawyer, mother, wife and the first lady of America. We all need a kitchen cabinet.

Additionally, research shows that women with solid and healthy friendships live longer and are healthier. A study published on Psychology Today shows that women with early-stage breast cancer were four times more likely to die from cancer if they didn’t have many friends. Those with a larger, more vibrant group of friends had a much better survival rate.

No matter what we have grown up hearing and seeing, women are each other’s emotional support system. From keeping secrets, giving advice, lending a listening ear, being a shoulder to cry on, and boosting self-esteem, developing strong and healthy female friendships is something all women can benefit from.

I am lucky to have a kitchen cabinet of my own. A group of friends with whom we grow and evolve together through every stage and step of life. That’s why I rave about it, on and on and on. I know the importance of these friendships in my life. I have seen the difference it makes to have them. The support, the laughter, the safe spaces and the light they shine into my life. I believe every woman alive should have this. It is just profound.

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How Women Support Each Other in Friendships.

Emotional Support and Empathy.

Women are more than shoe-shopping partners. Women in friendship often find a reliable outlet to share their challenges, triumphs and everything in between. When women come together, they create a nurturing environment that helps them process their emotions. Through honest conversations, they experience a kind of validation that can be healing.

When a woman goes through a tough time, whether it’s heartbreak, navigating sex, career challenges or family struggles, a supportive friend can listen without judgement. They can offer comfort and share similar experiences. This creates a bond where each woman knows she is not alone. This kind of support isn’t just “nice to have,” it’s a powerful and vital part of women’s lives.

Celebrating Success.

In a world where competition can sometimes overshadow collaboration, having friends who genuinely celebrate each other’s success is invaluable. You know, you have solid friendships when they can celebrate your success as if it’s their own. These friendships provide a space where women can be unapologetically proud of their achievements without fear of judgment or being singled out.

Healthy friendships stem from healthy people. People who genuinely want to see you win and don’t see your gain as their loss. Solid friendships have no room for competition or superficial interest. Celebrating milestones together, whether they are career, family, or personal growth milestones, reinforces positive feelings and encourages women to pursue their goals with confidence. You all understand that you are queens in your own right.

Practical Advice and Resources.

Women often look to friends for practical support and guidance. Whether it’s career advice, resources, or parenting tips, a supportive circle of friends offers a wealth of knowledge and connections. It is your friends who recommend jobs and business opportunities to you. They speak your names in rooms where you should take up space. It’s your friends who seat you at these tables.

Your friends can see your potential and worth even when you don’t recognise it yourself. They can speak life into you and motivate you to take the next step. Also, friends can be a sounding board for new ideas or projects, providing constructive feedback and encouragement. This kind of practical support can be empowering and instrumental in helping women move forward.

Encouraging Growth and Resilience.

Female friends can inspire each other to be the best versions of themselves. They encourage each other to take risks, step out of their comfort zones, and pursue their dreams. A supportive community doesn’t shy away from gently pushing each other towards growth. In difficult times, these friendships become a source of resilience, reminding each woman of her strength and helping her regain perspective and confidence.

Maintaining Mental Health and Well-being.

The positive effects of friendship on mental health are well-documented. Research upon research echoes the same thing: you need healthy friendships. Research shows that supportive friendships positively impact women’s mental health by reducing anxiety, stress and physical health issues.

A community of women can significantly reduce stress and boost self-esteem. Having someone to turn to during difficult times or join in laughter and joy in good times can alleviate stress and provide a sense of comfort that promotes overall well-being.

The Take Away.

Your Friendships are not something you should take for granted. It is not an extra. It doesn’t come after career and children; it comes right up there!”- Michelle Obama.

Therefore, darlings, no matter your age, treasure your girlfriends for as long as you can. They are your backbone and your support system. ♥