Photo of the Week: You’ve Gotta Have Friends!
Friends know us (and love us anyway) and are vital to a longer, happier life
Joyful jumping image by Midnighteskye
If we are indeed measured by the quality of our friends, I have to admit that I’m one of the luckiest women alive. Not simply because my friends are all rock stars (who happen to come in every curvy shape and size imaginable) but because various studies indicate that having friends carries myriad benefits, including helping us live happier, longer lives. Every funny text message, chat over coffee, morning walk, thoughtful item in the mail, and annual girlfriends’ getaway in my life seems to reaffirm this idea.
How do you know someone is your friend? Recently, I’ve had talks with my middle-school-bound son, who has come to me with questions about friends and peer pressure. My short answer to him sounds much like my feelings about a life partner: you know someone is your friend because they act like a friend. It really is that simple, and the same thing goes for guys/girls who don’t seem that into you–move on, because someone who is into you will be proud and happy to show it – and will do so, often. Friends who are the real deal? They leave you feeling lighter, happier, and better all around. The ones who do the opposite probably need re-categorizing.
Given the awesomeness of my gal pals, I’m planning on making it well into my 90s. How about you? What are your friends like? What’s the best lesson your friends (or ex-friends) have taught you? If you’re lacking in the friend department, why do you think that is – and what are you prepared to do to change that? Perhaps we can help in a future Ask FGG entry – so ask away!
Thanks so much for this entry– I am raising my coffee mug to good friends as I read this! As a single woman, I consider my friends as my modern family; without them, I would survive very little . . . and laugh even less!!
Hi, Liz. You’re welcome! Friends make all the difference, don’t they? ESPECIALLY ones who make us laugh. One friend and I adopted each other as sisters since we’re not close with our bio sisters. Works for us!
I am blessed to have so many friends that it is sometimes nice to just spend time by myself. I have short term friends who are friends during a phase of my life, long term friends who have known me since we snuck our first cigarette on the back porch then gargled Listerine to hide the taste, I’ve got friends I can call when I need a margarita and I’ve got friends who will watch my daughter for me while I go out of town. My sister doesn’t have that many friends and most of them are pretty shallow. I feel sad for her, but she chooses to live her life that way. I thank all the women out there who are there for their friends and hope that their friends are there for them when they need it! Great post!
I’ve gotta’ say, I’m lacking in the really great friend department. I feel like the girls I know already have tight knit groups of friends and I have a hard time breaking in to those groups. I also don’t have a ton of time to devote to friendships, but I do try to devote some time to them. I recently found out the the person I thought was my best friend does not feel the same way about me and I was pretty crushed so now I’m on the hunt for some other good friends. I live in LA and I feel like it’s especially hard here since so much time is spent in our cars and I’m not really the type of girl that enjoys going to clubs and drinking.
I moved almost 7 years ago to a new state. I left behind all of my family and friends. Before the move, I had a great group of friends with similar interests as me. I still talk to those girls, but being so far away, we rarely get to see each other. Unfortunately, while I’ve made a few friends in my new home, I don’t have any “close” girlfriends right now. It’s something I struggle with constantly.