The Gift of Friendship

How to find a pal

By Catherine Rondina

One of the most valuable gifts in one's lifetime is the gift of friendship. As children we thrived on it, our social lives were of the utmost importance to us. But, somehow as we grow older our hectic lifestyles begin to pull us away from our friends. We become so caught up in our family and job obligations that we lose some of the other important relationships in our lives.

This occurrence is probably more prevalent in women, because we tend to be the main caregivers and household organizers in our families. Often women tend to feel guilty if they take time away from family or work, but in the end we're only harming ourselves. So listen up girlfriend - here's how to rekindle those old friendships and begin new ones - for your own mental health.

The importance of female friendships

• LEAN ON ME - Throughout our lives we go through many phases and changes. As these stressful situations arise, such as, a new marriage or the birth of a child, we need someone to lean on who understands our female perspective on things.
• GIRL TALK - While you may have a wonderful relationship with your spouse, he still sees the world through male eyes. By having a girlfriend to dish with, you get a woman's opinion on situations.
• GIRL POWER - Now don't get me wrong, male friendships are wonderful, but there's nothing like girl power when it comes to hashing out a problem. Deep down only another woman understands your emotional state.
• MOMS NEED MOMS - Who better to understand your needs, joys and frustrations as a mother, than another mom? There is so much to know about parenting and having a friend who is a mom allows for a constant exchange of information.
• HERE'S TO YOUR HEALTH - Studies show that people who have a large base of social support and interaction, live longer. So your friendships are your best strategy in achieving good mental and physical health.
• JOIN IN - The best way to meet new friends is by joining groups or organizations that support women's activities. Mother's support groups, places of worship and volunteer organizations are excellent sources of potential friend finding.
• HANGING OUT - Like children, adults hang out too. Look for groups of women in places such as; the library, playgrounds and recreation centres. You're sure to bump into moms who are eager to socialize too.
• SURF YOUR WAY TO FRIENDSHIP - There are thousands of women, just like you who are waiting to chat on the Internet. The Web has opened a world of communication opportunities to us all. Women around the world are connecting online and establishing wonderful friendships in cyberspace.
• HOLD DEAR FRIENDS CLOSE - Once you've established a friendship, it's like any other relationship, it takes patience and nurturing to grow. But keep in mind that in the end a friend is a gift that you give yourself.