I recently stumbled on a post on Facebook from The Red Table Talk. It was a no-holds barred session hosted by Jada Pinkett-Smith. In the video, Jada and Gabriel Union explored the themes of healing, sisterhood and the power of female friendships. You can watch it here
It’s interesting that I watched the video shortly after my boss asked me to write about female friendships. It got me thinking about how unfriendly and reserved I was as a child.
Back then, I didn’t know how to get along with others, and I preferred my own company. Then, sometime in my mid-teens, I had the idea that male friendships were better than female friendships, as the former came with a lot less drama. LOL.
The Importance Of Female Friendships
It didn’t take me too long to realise I was wrong. As a woman, I have come to see how I need the love and support of fellow women to thrive. I can’t even imagine where I would be today without my friends who became like sisters in the last decade of my life.
The truth is, as a woman, you need the love and strength that only fellow women can give you. You need to know that someone understands what it’s like to have difficult periods without having to explain. You need the understanding of a woman who has had to rise through the ranks in the face of resistance and misogynistic barriers. Also, you need women to defend you in situations where men might stand by instead or even laugh. In short, you need people to stand with you in your corner.
A Hand To Hold
Female friendships will hold you up. Your ‘sisters’ will join you in cleaning up your mess, sit with you and hold your hand in the dark. They will push you, encourage you, and hold you accountable. They will understand you in ways that only they can, bonding over cycles, pain, illness, loss, breakups, or failure. Let’s not forget: they will celebrate your success with love and joy. Also, they will grow with you and be happy for you in a way that feels personal.
You can cry, rant, or call for advice, knowing that someone cares enough to give you the benefit of her experience or perspective.
Distance poses no barrier, time is nothing. You may not talk every day, but when you do, you pick right up where you left off. You KNOW they will be there, anytime. Few things are more precious in this life than the assurance we get from our female friendships.
So, shout out to all our female friends who make our lives colourful and beautiful. Be sure to celebrate the women in your corner. You could tag them to this post, take them for drinks, or just send an ‘I love you’ text. Whatever you decide, let us women celebrate female friendships. Let us celebrate each other.