The Importance of Friendships for Moms

When is the last time you went out dancing, to the bar, or on a spa day with your friends? In fact, if you’re really honest right now, when was the last time you talked to your friends? Before you became a wife and a mother, having the freedom to do what you want with a group of your gal pals was likely the center of attention. You could hang out all night, shop all day, and just have a good time sharing stories and bonding. Now that you’ve got a few more titles to your name (mom, wife, career woman), chances are, spending time with the girls is less of a priority.

You Need Your Girls

As hard as it may be to find time between work, soccer practice, dance recitals, babywearing while doing laundry to hang with your girls, the truth is, you need them. Friendships are vital to your emotional well-being. It is a proven fact that when you have genuine friendships both your physical and mental well-being are greatly improved. Here’s a closer look at the many reasons why you need your girls.

• They understand the world of a female – let’s face it, no matter how empathetic your spouse may be to your circumstances, he can’t relate the way your girls can. Why? Well, for starters, he’s a guy. Having females you can go to and speak on issues like being a mother, a wife, trying balance having a career, inequalities in the workplace, the feeling of losing oneself, etc. is necessary. Women can provide a level of comfort, perspective, and support that no one else can.

• They’re a great source for communication – again, you can’t talk to your spouse or your children the way you can your best friends. Unfortunately, men and women don’t communicate the same. As women use their emotions, men tend to be more logical in nature. Therefore, if you’re looking to speak on a matter in which you need affection, empathy, or emotional support, going to your girls provides a more comforting environment for communication.

• They’re a lot of fun – you have a ton of fun with your family, but being able to go out with the girls is something different. You get to let your hair down, and if even for just a few hours, remove yourself from the role of mom and wife. You get to be yourself and participate in things you enjoy with people who really care about you.

• They are great supporters – there are some things, you may have a hard time going to your spouse or family members about. Your best friends, who are often like family to you, can offer their support. Whether you’re struggling with depression, having difficulties with your relationship, or suffering from an opioid addiction, your girls will support you through getting the help that you need. And it won’t matter if it’s collecting money from their savings account to help you out of a jam, recommending a relationship counselor, or helping you find the right place for sober living in Los Angeles to get your life back on track, they will see to it that you’re ok.

 

Finding Time for Friendships

Having female friends you can have fun with, grow with, get advice from, and have an unwavering amount of support is essential to helping you to find balance in life as a woman. If you’ve lost touch with your friends or simply would like to make some new ones, here are some tips you might find useful.

• Start accepting invites (and sticking to them). How often are you invited somewhere and then because of some reason you cancel at the last minute? Instead of declining the offer, accept and show up. You may feel a bit awkward at first, but eventually, you’ll warm up and start to meet new people.

• Enroll in something. Think about the things you like to do. Then, clear your schedule and find time to do it. Take a yoga class, learn how to do pottery, or whatever else you might be interested in. Going regularly gets you familiar with people and creates the perfect environment for you to meet some friends.

• Use social media. Social media can be great for making new friends and reconnecting with old ones. Start getting more social about what’s going on in your life. Being more open invites others to do the same. Then, when you’re comfortable, send them a message inviting them out for breakfast, coffee, or even a summer barbecue. If you get really into it, try starting a blog!

It takes a tough person to be a woman. The average woman takes on the weight of the world every day without taking a day off. Friendships are a break in the midst of all of that. Outside of your children and your significant other, you need people in your corner who actually love, care for, and support you. Your girls, give you a source of peace, understanding, communication, and fun. Who doesn’t need that in their lives?