5 Types Of Friends Every Woman Needs In Her Life
Squad Goals: 5 Friends Every Woman Deserves - Page 6
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Friendship and meaningful connections are essential for women. Research shows that they can significantly boost confidence, well-being, and overall health. Studies highlighted by Inside Columbia note that social interactions between women increase serotonin and oxytocin, often called the bonding hormone.
These chemicals elevate mood, promote positive behaviors, and enhance overall happiness. When women experience joy and fulfillment through strong friendships, that intense joy radiates to other areas of their lives, including how they interact with family and children.
However, the power of female friendships goes far beyond emotional support. It also offers mental and physical empowerment. Connecting with close friends helps women face life’s challenges with resilience, knowing they have a trusted support system to lean on when the burdens of the world feel overwhelming.
If you’re looking to enrich your circle of friends for better health and happiness, here are five types of friends to prioritize in your life. Building these connections is essential—especially as we age and step into new phases of life, such as motherhood or marriage.
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1. Close Friends
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Close friends are those who’ve been by your side for years, weathering life’s ups and downs with you. Even if time and distance create some gaps, you can always reconnect as if no time has passed. These friends are the ones you can rely on in times of need.
Dr. Anjali Ferguson, a clinical psychologist from Virginia, told Today in August 2022, that close friendships are vital for mental health. In these relationships, judgment takes a backseat, allowing individuals to be their authentic selves. Ferguson explained, “These relationships challenge us and support us simultaneously while helping us grow through validation and safety.”
2. Lifelong Friends
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Lifelong friends are also essential for women to surround themselves with. They could be the group of girls you grew up with beginning in kindergarten or the bestie that stuck with you through thick and thin upon entering middle school. While there’s often an overlap between close and lifelong friends, according to clinical psychologist Lauren Napolitano, lifelong pals have the unique advantage of knowing you as you are growing and evolving. Often called “family friends,” these people have been a part of your life since childhood.
Napolitano told Today that these friends understand your upbringing, your family dynamics, and all the quirks that shaped you. Even if communication isn’t frequent, the bond remains deeply rooted. As we age and our social circles shrink, lifelong friendships become increasingly essential in helping us navigate life’s challenges.
Napolitano added that if you have between three to five close friends that’s the perfect amount.
“We don’t generally have sufficient time or emotional energy to sustain more than five close friendships at any given time,” she added. “Less than three close friendships is less than ideal because it lowers our odds of getting our needs met if one of those friends is unavailable.”
3. Friends Who Tell The Truth
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These friends may not always tell you what you want to hear, but their honesty is invaluable, according to Lifeway. They’re the ones who’ll call you out when your attitude’s off or your priorities need realignment. While it might sting at the moment, having someone who tells you the truth is a rare and precious gift. This friend will be there to point out when your outfit isn’t quite right or when your cooking doesn’t quite hit the mark—but they’ll always do it with your best interests in mind.
4. Friends Who Share Your Hobbies
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These are the friends who share your passions, whether it’s hiking, painting, or yoga. You bond over activities that bring you joy, creating a deeper connection and relationship through shared interests. These friendships not only offer fun but also allow for meaningful experiences that can enhance your well-being.
5. Intergenerational Friendships
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Friendships that span across generations can offer unique perspectives and wisdom. These relationships can bridge the gap between younger and older women, providing opportunities for learning, mentorship, and emotional support. The diverse experiences shared can enrich both parties.
Intergenerational friendships can also play a key role in easing loneliness during different life stages. As we go through transitions like graduating college, getting married, or starting a family, our friend groups often change. Having friends from various age groups during these times can help reduce feelings of isolation.
For instance, if you don’t have children but most of your friends your age do, you might find that they become less available as parenting takes priority. During this phase, older friends can be a real blessing. With their kids grown and out of the house, they have the freedom to enjoy activities like traveling, going to concerts, or grabbing happy-hour drinks with you, offering a refreshing social connection when your peer group is busy with family life.
Do you have any of the friend groups mentioned? Tell us about your favorite one in the comments section.
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