Friendships are an important part of people’s lives. They bring all kinds of benefits, including those related to health. Researchers have found that people with no friends increase their risk of death over 6 months. Friends do not only help us live longer, but they also help us live better. Results in some research concluded that not having close friends or confidants is as detrimental to our health as smoking or being overweighted.
When it comes to friendship among women, studies show that the more friends women have, the less likely they are to develop physical impairments as they age, They are more prompt to be enjoying life better.
Friendship is a profound bond that transcends time, space, and circumstance. Among women, this connection takes on a unique and powerful form, weaving a tapestry of support, understanding, and camaraderie. Friendships are invaluable resources that enrich the lives of those involved in myriad ways. From emotional support to health improvement, the value of friendship among women is immeasurable.
Therefore, friendship among women has been a subject of interest in various fields, including psychology, sociology, and gender studies. Several studies have explored different aspects of female friendships, including their formation, maintenance, and impact on well-being. Regardless of the field from which friendship is viewed, women’s friendship has been documented in studies to be a powerful female bond. An UCLA study in the early 2000s suggests friendship between women bring many benefits that go beyond emotional support. Friendships are helping women to live longer.
When confronted with lives hardships, studies have consistently found that women tend to place a high value on emotional intimacy and support in their friendships. Female friendships often involve sharing personal thoughts, feelings, and experiences, leading to a sense of closeness, and understanding. To be able to rely on someone for support has a significant impact on our well-being. Therefore, cultivating friendships is an important part of our life.
Female friendships provide a safe space for emotional expression and vulnerability. In a world where societal norms often discourage the open display of emotions, women find solace and understanding in the company of their friends. Whether celebrating joys or navigating challenges, female friends offer empathy, validation, and a shoulder to lean on. Through shared experiences and heartfelt conversations, they create a sanctuary where emotions are not judged but embraced, and it is through heartfelt conversations that women can relieve stress and anxiety.
Furthermore, female friendships foster a sense of belonging and community. In a world that often pits women against each other in competition, genuine friendships defy these divisive norms. Instead, they create bonds of sisterhood that transcend differences in background, beliefs, and lifestyles. These friendships become lifelines in times of loneliness, anchors in moments of uncertainty, and celebrations in times of triumph.
For all the above mentioned, experts agree that friendship should not be pushed away. Currently, we are more focused on career success or career accomplishments than connecting with others. We put friendship on the back burner, but this is a mistake. We ought to nurture friendship as it provides emotional relief, particularly during times of stress or adversity. Women are such a source of strength to each other. We nurture one another, and this can be a very healing experience.
In modern times, we rarely think of friendships as a goal. Friendships should not be looked at as something that simply occurs to us; it should be something we intentionally work on it. We need to do something regarding our connections with others, as finding time to cultivate new friends and nurturing those who already exist in our lives. It is worth noting that studies show that friendships among women tend to be more stable and enduring over time compared to friendships among men which can provide a sense of continuity and companionship throughout their lives.
In conclusion, the value of friendship among women cannot be underrated. Beyond mere companionship, female friendships offer a profound sense of connection, empowerment, and belonging. Furthermore, female friendships promote mental and physical well-being. As previously stated, studies have shown that social support is a crucial factor in maintaining overall health and happiness, and friendships play a vital role in fulfilling this need. Women who have strong social networks report lower levels of stress, depression, and anxiety. The presence of friends provides a sense of belonging and security that contributes to our overall well-being. So, I make an invitation to all women to embrace their female friendships, highlighting the unique dynamics and benefits they offer.
References
Taylor, S. E.; Klein, L.C.; Lewis, B. P.; Gruenewald, T. L.; Gurung, R. A. R.; & Updegraff, J. A. (2000). Female Responses to Stress: Tend and Befriend, Not Fight or Flight”, Psychological Review 107(3), 41-429.
