Carrie, You Were Onto Something...

              

"Maybe our girlfriends are our soul mates and guys are just people to have fun with."

Carrie Bradshaw

As I gracefully age, I'm realizing that Carrie may have been right. Maybe our girlfriends are our soul mates, and guys are supplementary characters. I dedicate this post to my best girlfriends (you know who you are) for sticking by my side through the greatest and worst, loving me unconditionally, and for never judging me. 

2014 has seen some pretty awful situations and intense romantic drama in my friend circle, including my own. While we already know that the ultimate healer of a painful breakup is time [and retail therapy!], having your girlfriends for support is completely priceless. The mere presence of them can be a huge catalyst to recovery. With all the guys that have come and gone, at the end of the day, we've stuck together. Through thick and thin, we're there for each other no matter what. Certain responsibilities need not be vocalized; they are simply understood.  

Back in the day, it used to be about the quantity of friends; now it's only about the quality. Having a core group of girlfriends is essential for survival... even if there are only 2 of you. I believe that every friend in your core serves a different purpose. Each friend is a unique dish in the potluck of friendship. Everyone plays a "role". While some may overlap, each friend has a dominant quality/habit that defines their role. I've come up with roles that I think most groups comprise of.  I'm sure there are variations amongst different people, but this seems like a solid umbrella that encompasses roles within friend circles.

1. The Willow Tree / Mother Goose

This is the friend who's had maternal instincts since she was 5. She's the wise one who everyone goes to for advice. Somehow, she is omniscient. 

2. The Party Animal / Wild Child

This is the friend who you can rely on to always have a great time - she is down to party at any given moment! She's the carefree one who brings out the party girl in you while everyone else lives vicariously through her. 

3. The Skeptic / Realist

Every circle has one of these. This is the friend you dread admitting your mistakes to for fear they'll tell you what you don't want to hear but what you need to hear. This friend can sometimes be mistaken for a pessimist or a straight up "hater" but at the end of the day, she's just trying to be your voice of reason. 

4. The Eternal Optimist / Cheerleader

This is the friend who is always rooting for you no matter what. Her drug is positivity! She is so excited for everything you do and thrives on your happiness and success.

5. The Empathizer / Sensitive One

I hope every girl has one of these in their lives. This is the friend who understands your pain and sympathizes with you. Simply put, she cries with and for you.

True friendships are built with unconditional love, support, and mutual respect. Cherish your girlfriends. Embrace the purpose each of them serve. Amidst major life events, make an effort to maintain your friendships. Hire a babysitter for girl time. And lastly, make sure your best girlfriends are life enhancers, people who improve the quality of your life and bring out the upgraded version of yourself. xx