Life is Better with a Good Girlfriend by Your Side
“True friendship comes when the silence between two people is comfortable.” — David Tyson
You know that friend who you don’t see often, but when you do it feels like no time has passed? You may even be smiling to yourself when you think of her. You easily pick up where you left off and there’s no awkward pauses or small talk.
I used to take that kind of friendship for granted, but as I’m getting older (and wiser) I have realized that these friendships are priceless.
One of my good friends and I used to be neighbors and since I’ve moved (not across the country — only 10 blocks away!) we definitely don’t see each other as much. We are both busy working, and we both have kids who are involved in sports and activities, so it has become harder and harder to find time to get together. And while it saddens me that we don’t see each other as often, I’ve come to peace with the fact that it’s not about how many times we see each other; it’s about the true connection we have when we are together. Quality over quantity.
Maintaining female friendships is important — even if you don’t see each other that often! We always have reasons to put off a coffee date or girls’ night out. But, as is often the case, after we do reconnect with a friend, we are energized and inspired; we feel less alone.
Understand Life Happens:
Having gone through some challenging health problems myself I’ve learned that we need to extend our friends’ grace. When it’s hard to get together with a friend or it seems impossible to fit in a quick phone call with them, understand that maybe they are in a season of life where it’s just too much right now.
If I know a friend is struggling or in an overwhelming season, I’ll text her or send her a note to take some of the burden off of her, allowing her to respond when she has a chance. Understand where your friend is at this point in her life and be understanding if it is hard to connect right now — chances are things will change and soon enough you will be able to reconnect and pick up right where you left off.
Make a plan; Plan a date:
Another way I try to work in time with my dear friends is to schedule it out. Yep, even if it’s a month from now. Seems crazy, but sometimes that’s what it takes to see one another. And it’s worth it. Scheduling that get-together ahead of time gives us both something to look forward to.
We have a Galentine’s event coming up at the Bird’s Tail studio which might be the perfect reason to get out with your girlfriend! See more details below!
Put yourself out there:
Making new friends is meaningful, but what if you’re not feeling super connected and as though you don’t have those strong female friendships? Put yourself out there! Find groups of women who are involved in things you enjoy. Start a book club, invite all the moms from your child’s class to a painting party or other event.
Meeting new friends can be difficult, but the connection you’ll feel from it will be worth it.
Strong women lift up other women:
As women, we have certain female connections that we may not have with our spouse or significant other. We can share things about our marriages, our bodies, our hopes and fears. Associating with other strong and caring women can make us stronger, better people.
Focus on surrounding yourself with women who make you feel good about yourself. These women should encourage you, not put you down. And, when you find yourself involved in a group of friends who gossip about other women, that hurts everyone. It may be a sign to move on.
Female friendships help us feel less stressed and alone. I adore my girlfriends because we laugh and are goofy with one another. We confide in one another and stand up for one another. I hope my girlfriends feel lifted up by me when they’re down because they definitely do that for me when I’m going through a challenging time or having a hard day.
“A friend is someone who understands your past, believes in your future and accepts you just the way you are.” — Unknown
celebrate galentine’s day!:
Women need one another even if we don’t see each other as often as we’d like. Invite a friend to join you at our Mala Making Workshop. This is a popular workshop held at our studio that’s a perfect girl’s night out. AND to sweeten the deal, all purchases made in the studio that night will be 20% off! Treat yo’ self!
Bring your bestie and enjoy a Galentine’s Day gathering!