The Importance of Friendship Among Women

For some people, it can be difficult to develop close female friendships. For others, it takes no effort at all. Regardless, friendships are important to the healthy emotional fabric of a woman's life. The empathy and connection you gain by being in a relationship with other females helps stabilize you. Besides, there are some things that men just don't want to know.

The next time your boyfriend questions you about going out with your girlfriends, tell him it is good for your health. In their study "Biobehavorial Responses to Stress in Females: Tend-and0Befriend, Not Fight-or-Flight," Laura Klein, Shelley Taylor, et al. found that female friendships reduce stress. The connection between women increases the release of oxytocin, which relieves tension. Let your boyfriend know that it's either them or him who gets to deal with your stress.

Having good female friends can lead to a contented life. Friends encourage a positive attitude and help you be more optimistic. Surround yourself with emotionally healthy women and know that you are supported. However, girlfriends who tend to be negative could put a dent in your contentment. The attitudes of your friends can rub off on you, so stick with happier ones who don't attract drama.

There are times when you need someone who understands what you're going through -- or at least pretends to. Girlfriends are perfect for that. Women listen, empathize, commiserate and even rage with you when you need it. Good friends will validate your feelings and call you out when you're being unreasonable -- sometimes in the same conversation. At times, your friends will know exactly what you're feeling because they have been there, too. But when they haven't experienced it directly, they will look for a way to understand and empathize.

If you are not planning specific time to hang out with just your girls, you are missing out. You may not realize how much you need it until you're on the dance floor. Serious and edifying conversations can dissolve into giggles and inappropriate jokes when a pack of women gets together. If spontaneity is your thing, round up your friends for a flash mob of retail therapy. However you do it, make time for some fun with your girlfriends. You won't regret it.