HEALTHY LIFESTYLE · MAY 2018
THE POWER
OF FEMALE
FRIENDSHIPS
T
here is growing
evidence that
friendships are an
integral part of our
human experience.
Nowhere is that truer than in the
relationships women have with
each other. Social psychologists
have long understood that a sense
of belonging is vital for individual
growth on many levels.
Friendships sustain us when times
are tough. They give us an outlet
for our emotions – good or bad.
For women, in particular, they
are an essential part of life. They
give us a sense of connection,
someplace to gather and nourish
our souls.
In women’s lives, according to a
landmark UCLA study, girlfriends
fulfill many functions in our lives.
They help us to get over breakups,
work through school, work, or
relationship problems. They can
fill emotional gaps in our lives and
help us to find our center after
something has gone wrong.
When struggling with
interpersonal relationships or
love relationships, having a circle
of friends or one true friend can
serve as a buffer between you
and the person or person’s you’re
clashing with. Girlfriends can listen
to your problems, help you walk
through scenarios, and help you
connect with who you really are,
without the pressure from outside
forces. They know you better
than you know yourself in many
instances.
subjects ranging from marital
strife to what they’re reading
or listening to right now
will be discussed. In today’s
climate, heavier subjects
are discussed, like politics,
movements, politics, and
beyond. Women have seen power, used their
power, and reinforced their bonds through their
friendships to change the world.
Engaging in meaningful conversations with
people you trust helps our bodies to release
oxytocin, the hormone that helps counter stress
and produces a calming effect in women. The
same is not true for men, according to studies.
The act of tending to or comforting someone
else is also stress-reducing and promotes better
health in the person providing the comfort.
The Boston’s Nurses Health Study found that
the more friends a woman has, the more
opportunity they have to offer support, results
in fewer physical impairments as the women
age and they are more likely to lead joyful lives.
Conversely, people with few friendships or
confidantes reported more ailments, aches and
pains, and less satisfaction overall.
Friendships are tantamount to a renewable
energy source. This becomes even more evident
when women band together for a cause or
share their personal stories. As the saying goes,
there is power in numbers. Women are more
likely to share the stories of their lives. They
listen and learn by listening to each other. But
what they share with each other goes beyond
the intimate details of their lives. For instance,
For women, their friendships are grounded
in deep, meaningful conversations. Women
are masters of conversation. They are active
listeners. They ask questions. They allow time
for full answers. They are great at reading
nonverbal cues. While it’s true there are men
who can do the same; these traits are much
more common in the female. Listening and
empathizing are inherent natural skills women
have. Society has often overlooked the strength
and power of women, but time and time again,
women have banded together, held firmly to
their friendships, and made great strides in all
aspects of life. They are champions of each
other and champions for those who often don’t
have a voice and don’t have the same human
connections they hold dear to them.
By Norah Menditto
20 HEALTHY MAGAZINE