This article, found on MSN's homepage, provided 7 endearing stories by higher profile female writers about the 7 types of friends all women need. When I first saw the headline, I thought "7 female friends? That's A LOT! Now someone's telling me that I NEED them? Don't think so..." But the stories that followed (author Jennifer Weiner's description of her crazy girl friend I found particularly endearing), reminded me of what I already have in my life.
#1.) The Sister.
Not everyone is blessed enough to have been provided a best girl friend in their lives. For those that have, I hope they cherish theirs as much as I cherish mine. We've gone from riding down the stairs in the same laundry basket to fighting over my bad boyfriend to dancing at her wedding. She's been there through my moves across the country (all 3 times), and is still my favorite person to call whenever I hold the dreaded cell phone to my cheek. My sister tells the truth. I used to get upset when I heard the things she knew I needed to hear, but because of the things I've learned from my other friends and the maturity gained from those truths, I've grown to want to pry that honesty out of her.
#2.) The Soul Sister.Have you ever sat across the table from one of your friends and looked her in the eyes and knew she was feeling your feelings at that exact moment? Or reacted the same way to a situation and giggled together over your "jinx buy me a coke" moment? Or have moved away and know that whenever you pick up the phone, you'll talk like no time has passed? Or the thought of missing them brings tears to your eyes? I don't know what it is that connects me to these 2 astounding women, but I am lucky enough to have 2 soul sisters in my life. One is in Miami, a
nd one is in LA. And both would welcome me with open arms should I ever come knocking.
#3.) The Friend That Doesn't Let You Slip Away
When everything is crazy and you think you've pushed as much away as you can, this friend is ready to visit, hug you, support you, and laugh with you. And also ask questions from only the perspective she can have. This friend holds part of your heart because she's seen you give it away to so many people. And yes, she is always up to be crazy with you but still call you the crazy one.
#4.) The Mentor
Should this force in my life read this blog entry, she'll know who she is. For the fact this is public domain and I want to respect this person's privacy, I still want to point out the fact that my relationship with her is very influential. I met __________ while she was in constume, as much of the world sees her. I am fortunate enough to know her outside of costume and so very gracious she has let me into that part of her life. This woman holds nothing back, and her fearlessness is inspiring. The goals she has met and continues to set provide me with an example of how I hope to be living. When she knew that is was my 4th day of work, I knew she was special. Her hugs are cleansing, and her voice is soothing. She is someone who has been there, done that, and isn't afraid to offer advice to ones whom she cares. I am truly grateful for her appearance in, and ongoing presence in my daily life.
#5.) The New Friend
I am lucky enough to have finally met influential women who not only care to be a part of my life, but care enough to include me in theirs. I feel bad that I am lumping 2 VERY different
people into 1 category, but following recent conversations, events, and situations, I think they would understand why I consider it new. And plus, "I just moved here..." The New Friend is someone who starts out inviting you to events going on and reaching out. I owe a lot of my happiness in Chicago to these 2 girls for reaching out to me. Put together by chance, vicinity, or choice - I love them and and grateful for their presence. When I thought I'd lost my staying power and worth, one of them hugged me with sympathetic tears, the other said "Bullshit. You know better than that." I only hope I return them with as much as they have provided me thus far in this adventure!I spend a lot of thinking time wondering "How come I don't have friends like the ladies in Lipstick Jungle do?" Or, "I want my own cast of FRIENDS in real life." And sometimes even "I want to work in a place like Empire Records. They're all friends and they have so much fun." As my boss reminded me the other day, I already do. "That's called family." That was a big wake up call, and hit pretty hard. Sometimes you really do just have to open your eyes, stop feeling sorry for yourself, and bloom where you are planted. And for gods' sakes, stop concerning yourself with bringing TV to real life. Reality is so much cooler.
