The media’s recent and ongoing celebration of female friendships is becoming increasingly prevalent daily. Female friendships are starting to receive the recognition they deserve, thanks to films like Barbie and the Friends trend “I Got My Girls.” Since starting university, I’ve recognised how vital and significant girlfriends are since living away from home. This article will explore why female friendships hold particular meaning for me. I’ve also asked my friends to share what makes these relationships unique.
‘We all have shared experiences, so having that emotional support between one another is special.’- Lily and Ellie.
‘One thing I love about female friendships is that I always feel listened to, and I love being able to listen to others and make them feel heard, as they do me.’– Anna.
While romantic relationships can be emotionally charged, female friendships often become a reliable source of support. They can serve as a safe haven where we can share our problems and find comfort in a shoulder to cry on. Having someone to turn to for advice who can understand and empathise with our experiences can provide comfort and reassurance. It’s comforting to know that we are not being judged, and that our feelings are okay. Female friendships often have a depth of emotional intimacy that is difficult to find in other relationships, and this can be a real asset during challenging times.
‘It’s sisterhood, our chosen family.’– Millie.
‘They are like our second home.’– Anna.
‘They provide a caring and supportive environment to allow you to be the best version of yourself.’– Lottie.
While we are given a family at birth, sisterhood allows us to create our own family in reflection of ourselves. Our friendships become a significant part of our identity, as they are who we choose to involve ourselves with. Female friendships are more than just a bond; they are a support system, a source of strength, and a second family we can rely on. They help us navigate life’s ups and downs and give us a sense of belonging. We learn to trust, empathise, and communicate effectively through these relationships. They provide us with a safe haven to be ourselves and feel accepted for who we are.
‘A network of people to enjoy life with makes you feel empowered and free.’ – Hazel, Maddie, and Issy.
‘there’s nothing better than genuinely supporting each other and helping each other grow’ -Ellie.
Having a group of girlfriends to share experiences with can be a great way to step out of your comfort zone and try new things. Whether trying a new restaurant, taking a dance class, or going on a weekend trip, having a supportive group of friends can make the experience much more enjoyable and less intimidating. In today’s world, social media offers a wealth of ideas for wholesome activities you can do with your friends, such as pottery painting, cooking classes, or hiking. Taking time away from your busy schedule to be creative and have fun with your girlfriends can be a great way to relieve stress and enjoy life. Even just an hour spent together doing something you all want can be a great way to strengthen your friendship and create lasting memories.
‘We don’t feel alone. Someone who understands the whirlwind of being a woman and the hormone fluctuations.’ –Hannah.
‘They boost our wellbeing.’ -Deniz.
Scientific studies have shown that having female friends can boost our immune function. Even having just one person by our side who is always there for us can make us feel less alone and more supported. Being a woman can be challenging, especially with the continuous hormonal fluctuations we experience during our menstrual cycle. It is comforting to know that we are not alone and can rely on each other for empathy and understanding. Our friends can help us stay grounded when we are overthinking and struggling to find a solution, and they can also be a source of laughter and joy.
‘They will always love you without judgement.’ -Maisy.
‘it means loving someone and knowing whatever you do, they will be there’– Megan.
You don’t need to perform or put on an act- I love spending time with girls who understand me!’ – Rose.
Having female friends with whom you can relax and be yourself is one of the most refreshing experiences in life. It doesn’t matter your life path, where you live, or who you’re romantically involved with. Your girlfriends will always be there to support you and cheer you on. They’re the ones you can be silly with and laugh at the simplest things. In fact, laughter is one of the things that genuinely binds female friendships together. I used to feel like people would judge me if I laughed too much, but that’s impossible when you have the right group of girls around you.
Female friendships are vital and offer much more than just a bond. They provide us with a safe space to share our problems, a sense of belonging, a support system, and a source of strength. They teach us trust, empathy, and effective communication and offer us a chance to step out of our comfort zones and try new things. From writing this article, I have realised why my group of girls matter to me and can see how they have made me the woman I am today for the better!