My friendships have always been important to me. I have always been lucky to have a group of girls/women that I have been able to rely on for support through the difficulties in life. Some of them even date back to my early school days (you do the math on that one!), and some are friendships that are quite recent, but they are all important to me – my ride or die friends that will be by my side through thick and thin.
Research shows that women in midlife and beyond who maintain strong social connections are not only happier, but they are also healthier. We’re talking lower stress levels, reduced risk of heart disease, and even a boost in immune function. Who needs a magic potion when you’ve got your girlfriends by your side?
But it’s not only the emotional support that these friendships offer; you know those days when you feel like you’re drowning in a sea of responsibilities? Your girlfriends are the life raft that will pull you back to shore. They’re the ones who will listen quietly to your rants, wipe away your tears and remind you that you can conquer anything.
They’re the women who will not hold back in kicking you in the backside when you need it, but they are also the women who will defend you no matter what.
And let’s not forget the laughter! The glorious belly-aching laughter that can only come from sharing inside jokes with the women who know you better than anyone – and love you anyway. They will laugh with us, and sometimes at us, but only when we really deserve it, and always with love. We all know laughter is the best medicine, and your girlfriends are the prescription you never knew you needed.
So, what’s the bottom line? Midlife women’s friendships are not just nice to have, they’re essential for your health and happiness. Whether you’re navigating the choppy waters of menopause or reinventing yourself for the umpteenth time, your girlfriends will be there every step of the way. Let’s be grateful for these women who enrich our lives in ways we could never have imagined.
Here’s to the friends who lift us up, laugh with us, cry with us and remind us that we are never alone. And you know who you are.
Jody Webster