There is nothing more special and valuable than the bonds women build through friendships. 

In a patriarchal society infamous for pitting women against each other and devaluing them, it is a true gift to find girlfriends who will stick beside you through thick and thin. 

Women naturally seek emotional connections and friends to confide in when times of trouble or even triumph uprise. 

In the human experience, it is essential to find people who simply get you — people to cry and laugh with and not feel any guilt or insecurity. 

Some research has shown that because women are more likely to discuss emotional ties to experiences, they are more likely to process their traumas and minimize the effects of chronic stressors.

According to the Mayo Clinic, strong social connections boost happiness, lower chances of stress and depression, improve self-confidence, help with coping during hard times and potentially lead to a longer life.

The National Library of Medicine states friendships among women provide “critical social resources and promote overall wellness, feelings of self-worth and empowerment.”

However, these close-knit and caring friendships do not appear out of thin air. They require effort. Having good friends requires you to be a good friend as well. 

As a woman, my female friendships are some of the things I value the most. Anytime something not-so-great happens — a breakup, a betrayal or some bad news — my friends are the first people to comfort me, offer advice and keep it real with me. 

On the other hand, my friends are always there to have a good time with me, celebrate achievements and support my goals. 

Because of this, I am naturally inclined to reciprocate these acts. I want to be there to support my friends, spend time with them and be a place of comfort for them. 

Surrounding yourself with strong female friendships cultivates confidence, ultimately leading to a more successful life outside of these friendships as well. 

According to a study in the 2019 journal “Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America,” women with a strong circle of friends who work in leadership positions are two and a half times higher in authority and pay than those who do not have this type of support. In other words, girl bosses uplift each other, as they should.

The importance of friendship is beyond words and statistics. It is crucial for people to find others who genuinely care and connect with them.

However, finding that core group of girlfriends can be hard. So, when seeking out bonds, it’s important to also remain authentic with yourself. You should only put energy into the relationships that are putting energy back into you. Stop pursuing draining or toxic friendships just because that is what you are used to. 

I full-heartedly believe that friendship breakups hurt a million times worse than romantic breakups — especially if it was a friend you poured your heart out to time and time again. 

So, when you find that undeniable friendship bond — hold onto it closely.

Treasure your girlfriends. They are fierce and understanding — the backbone of a healthy support system.