HEALTHY LIFESTYLE · MAY 2018
THE POWER OF FEMALE FRIENDSHIPS
There 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 .
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 , 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 .
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
12 HEALTHY MAGAZINE