When it comes to female friendships, a level of connection makes it necessary for women and girls across several phases of life. This unique form of friendship is mainly characterized by emotional compatibility, empathy, support, and shared life experiences.
Having female friends has been said to have a significant effect on our mental health, personal development, and overall well-being. Female friendships provide a safe haven where we can completely be ourselves, void of judgment and full of love, through the shared experiences of childhood and the trials and triumphs of adulthood. In this article, we will be exploring the benefits of fostering positive female connections and how to maintain beautiful female friendships.
Read Also: The Hurdles of Making Friends as an Adult and Ways to Navigate Them
Benefits of Female Friendships
Shared Experiences
One of the most beautiful things about female friendships is the knowledge that literally every woman you meet has been through almost the same circumstances as you have. This could be getting your first period, being diagnosed with a reproductive health condition, or going through pregnancy and the process of motherhood.
It helps to know that you are not alone, this is the part of female friendships that strengthen bonds. This doesn’t just provide a sense of belonging, it also helps to reduce anxiety and give a sense of safety. However, it doesn’t always have to be about sharing painful experiences. It could also be trying a new restaurant, getting a new piercing, or getting a new hair color. Having these shared experiences makes lasting memories.
Confidence in One’s Feminity
We live in a largely patriarchal society and there are expectations as well as misconceptions on how women should act, be, and express themselves. This could result in a lot of women suppressing their feminity and trying to conform even though it’s hard. On the other hand, female friendships provide a space for women to fully be themselves without pressure.
This way women get to express themselves fully and embrace their feminity without the fear of being judged. By cultivating friendships that allow them to be their authentic selves, women can thrive and appreciate their uniqueness. Having friends who understand you and love you just the way you are contributes to boosting your confidence and self-esteem.
Accountability
It is common to share the same goals and have priorities alike in a female friendship. Having friends who have the same values and aligned goals makes it easier to stick to your plans and see them through. Generally, friends are the perfect accountability partner when you have a goal in sight. However, in a female friendship, it becomes more special.
This is because your friend probably also wants the same thing so both parties are accountable to each other. This could be starting a new workout routine, changing diet to start eating healthy, or picking up a new hobby. Being accountable to someone who is on the same page not only motivates you, it gives you a heavy dose of support required to push you when you start to slack.
Deep Emotional Support and Connection
Women tend to exhibit a higher form of emotional awareness and expression. They can have deep conversations and share the most profound connection even physical contact. A woman’s first instinct when a friend is sad is to give a comforting hug before asking questions and trying to solve the issue.
Intimacy, openness, and emotional support as well as physical affection are vital elements of female friendships. It makes it easier for friends to confide in each other without holding back, there is mutual support and protection. That is why being a girl’s girl is something every woman has experienced and partaken of in one way or another.
Tips for Cultivating and Maintaining Lasting Female Friendships
If you have been wondering how you could become part of a girl’s group, be friends with women who look out for each other, and allow you to be your authentic self without judgment, you may want to pay attention here. Here are a few tips to help you find yourself some sisters from another mother.
Be Social and Approachable
Attending more social gatherings, this could be women-only get-togethers where you can meet like-minded women. While at events like this, initiate conversations and be ready to meet new people. A good conversation starter could be complimenting someone. If you already have female friends and you are looking to preserve the bond you share. Attending gatherings together and just dedicating time to do things with them can help strengthen the bond you share.
Radiate Positivity
When you finally find your tribe, try not to be the friend who has a pessimistic view of life. Positivity is key to maintaining a healthy relationship with your friends. Show interest in the life of your friend and interact with a positive mindset, even when it seems tough. When your friend is going through a hard time, ensure that you are there to support and encourage them. Also, celebrate their achievements and success like you would celebrate yours. Lastly, ensure that you are receiving the same energy in return.
Be as Open-minded and Honest
Honesty and trust are vital for every relationship to thrive, you need to build a level of trust with your friends to deepen the connection you share. With this trust comes honesty, as both factors work hand in hand. You would get to a point in your friendship where both parties open up and begin to share personal details. And although, it could be uncomfortable in the beginning especially when the friendship is still new. As time goes on, you should be vulnerable enough to share at your own pace.
Most importantly, be sure that reciprocation has been established before divulging as much information. It is important to consciously differentiate between a new friendship and one that’s been established. The importance of being free to share your fears, challenges and insecurities with friends is the possibility that they have similar experience. As a result, they can provide helpful insights and support.