A 10-point guide to building stronger friendships as a woman
Strong female friendships aren’t just comforting—they’re linked to better health, resilience, and even longevity.
When it comes to friendships between women, we’ve all been there. It’s that exhilarating feeling of finding your tribe, the people who get you without needing a lot of explanation. But as life gets busier, it’s easy to let those bonds fade into the background. True friendships are like a beautiful garden; they need intentional care and nurturing always to flourish and stay strong through the changing seasons of life.
Your female friendships are a vital part of your health and well-being. They are the confidantes who celebrate your wins and hold your hand through the hard times. By actively investing in these relationships, you can build a support system that lasts a lifetime. Here’s a 10-point guide to being a better friend and strengthening those bonds.
Practice Forgiveness
No friendship is perfect. Misunderstandings and hurt feelings are part of the deal. The difference between a lasting friendship and a temporary one is the ability to forgive. Holding a grudge is like carrying a heavy stone in your travel bag; it slows you down and takes up space that could be used for something better. Let it go.
Make Time For Her
It’s easy for life’s hectic pace to get the best of us, but true friends are always worth the effort. Helpguide stated that having a close friend to confide in can significantly lower your body’s cortisol levels, helping to reduce stress and increase resilience. In your busy lifestyle, it’s important to be proactive about staying in touch. Schedule a recurring lunch, a walk, or even a simple phone call to stay connected.
Listen Without Judgment
Sometimes the best thing you can offer a friend is a quiet ear. It’s not about having all the answers for their problems, but about being a safe space for them to speak their mind without judgment. When you give a friend your undivided attention, you are showing them that their feelings matter. The CDC stated that social connections can lead to a longer life and better physical and mental health.
Share Your Vulnerable Side
Friendship grows in the soil of authenticity. It’s about letting your friend see the good, the bad, and the slightly messy. Research in social psychology has shown that self-disclosure, sharing your true thoughts and feelings, is the primary driver of relational intimacy, and studies on vulnerability have found that it is a critical component of social connection.
Celebrate Her Wins
A true friend can cheer for you even when her own life feels stalled. It’s easy to be there during the bad times, but it takes character to celebrate a friend’s success without a hint of jealousy. Whether it’s a new job, a promotion, or just a small personal victory, let her know you are always in her corner.
Respect Her Boundaries
Friendship is a two-way street, and that includes respecting each other’s needs for personal space and time. Lack of boundaries can lead to a feeling of being taken advantage of and can damage a friendship, while setting clear boundaries is vital for building trust, safety, and respect. A friend who doesn’t respect your “no” is not a friend. Knowing when to give each other room is a mark of true maturity.
Offer Your Financial Support
Supporting your friends with their finances isn’t just about giving them money; it’s about cheering them on in their financial journey. It could be celebrating a friend who paid off her car loan or helping a friend plan for a major financial move. These small gestures show that you are invested in her overall well-being.
Don’t Let Distance Ruin The Bond
Life takes us to different places. Perhaps one of you has moved to a different city for a job or to start a new chapter in life. It doesn’t mean your friendship has to end. Social support has been shown to significantly impact psychological distress, quality of life, loneliness, anxiety, depression, and mortality risk.
Create Shared Experiences
Friendship is built on a foundation of shared memories. These moments become the stories you tell for years to come. Sharing experiences can act as a “social glue” that fosters cohesion and solidarity. Positive memories significantly correlate with higher relationship satisfaction. Shared experiences create a lasting bond that extends beyond mere phone conversations.
Show Up In The ordinary moments
Friendship isn’t just for the big moments. The most important friends are the ones you can call to share a funny quote, go on a grocery run, or even help you pick up your car from the car wash. They are the people who are there for the simple, everyday life. They are the ones who can make even a boring task fun, and that is a true friend.
The 15 Things Women Only Do With the Men They Love
The 15 Things Women Only Do With the Men They Love
Love is a complex, beautiful emotion that inspires profound behaviors. We express our love in various ways, some universal, while others are unique to each individual. Among these expressions, there are specific actions women often reserve for the men they deeply love.
This piece explores 15 unique gestures women make when they’re in love. From tiny, almost invisible actions to grand declarations, each tells a story of deep affection and unwavering commitment.
