Friendships are one of the most important relationships we will have in our lives. Apart from our families and our significant others, there is really no one else who will be as close to us as our friends. Sometimes those friends might even be closer to you than your actual family.

In the end, friends can become the family that we choose ourselves.

Last week, two of my oldest friends visited me in Dublin. We have been friends since high school, and despite me having moved to two different countries at this point, we have remained close. Whenever we do get together, it seems as if no time has passed at all and we are able to pick up right where we left off.

There is such comfort in knowing that no matter where life may take us, we always have one another.

We see so much backstabbing and hatred between women because of their differences. Rather than embracing them and joining forces, we tear each other down. We believe by going against other women we are lifting ourselves up.

This could not be further from the truth.

The empowerment that comes from female friendships is something that is so greatly underestimated. Women have this unbelievable ability to support, encourage, inspire and value their girlfriends.

At the same time, they will always hold you accountable for your actions, be honest when you messed up and hold a mirror in front of you if you need a reality check. But that's exactly what can be so incredibly empowering.

Your girlfriends have the ability to make you a better person.

There is no one else who will listen to you complain about the same thing for the hundredth time at two in the morning. No one who will cheer you on more. No one who will be more proud of you and your accomplishments. No one else who will go bragging about your victories. No one else will rush to your side after your heart's been broken and comfort you like your girlfriends will.

Female friendships have the potential to be truly empowering if only we allow them to be.

The next time you think about gossiping or bad mouthing another female, remember that despite it all, you are all on the same side. There is nothing more powerful than opening yourself up and learning to celebrate yourself and each other.