A love letter to female friendships | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Community

A love letter to female friendships

To quote Sex and the City, "'Maybe our girlfriends are our soulmates and guys are just people to have fun with."

2337
two beautiful women best friends lying together in the grass holding hands
123rf

This is a response to On losing a best friend to a boyfriend.

As a kid, some of the first stories I was exposed to were Disney movies and fairytales. My impressionable mind was filled with images of beautiful princesses, dashing princes, and the all-consuming power of true love.

In those narratives, every relationship besides the bond between two lovers was secondary—practically meaningless, in the grand scheme of things. Only two people rode off into the sunset, and we called it a happy ending.

I was a tomboy growing up. I tried to distance myself from these early ideals, feeling embarrassed at how "girly," and unrealistic they were. Still, even as an awkward middle-schooler, a part of me longed for that fairytale romance that would swoop in and bring color to my otherwise mundane life. I wanted to meet somebody who lit me up. Someone who felt like my missing puzzle piece.

As I got older and went to college, I did meet people who felt like they were cut from the same cloth. But to my surprise, they were my friends, not my romantic partners.

There's a richness to the bond between female friends that I've never felt in any other dynamic. We can share laughs, be a shoulder to cry on in tough times, and cheer each other on, but it goes further than that. As women, we relate on a level that no one else can truly understand.

We know what it's like to exist in a world that often feels hostile to us: a world that tells us we aren't pretty enough, aren't smart enough, aren't tough enough, can't be taken seriously. We know what it's like to feel in danger and devalued. We also know how it feels to be treated the opposite way— put on a pedestal by romantic partners who can't see our true depth, who see us as manic pixie dream girls rather than complicated human beings in our own rights.

When we connect with each other, we provide a space for each other to be seen. From doing each other's makeup to listening to angry outbursts and holding each other through tough breakups, we're here for it all: the good, the bad, and the ugly.

Being able to witness other women through the ups and downs in their lives and have them witness mine is the closest thing I've felt to a soul bond. So, to every woman who's been my friend over the years, whether we still talk or not, I'd just like to say two things: thank you, and I love you.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Entertainment

Every Girl Needs To Listen To 'She Used To Be Mine' By Sara Bareilles

These powerful lyrics remind us how much good is inside each of us and that sometimes we are too blinded by our imperfections to see the other side of the coin, to see all of that good.

168978
Every Girl Needs To Listen To 'She Used To Be Mine' By Sara Bareilles

The song was sent to me late in the middle of the night. I was still awake enough to plug in my headphones and listen to it immediately. I always did this when my best friend sent me songs, never wasting a moment. She had sent a message with this one too, telling me it reminded her so much of both of us and what we have each been through in the past couple of months.

Keep Reading...Show less
Zodiac wheel with signs and symbols surrounding a central sun against a starry sky.

What's your sign? It's one of the first questions some of us are asked when approached by someone in a bar, at a party or even when having lunch with some of our friends. Astrology, for centuries, has been one of the largest phenomenons out there. There's a reason why many magazines and newspapers have a horoscope page, and there's also a reason why almost every bookstore or library has a section dedicated completely to astrology. Many of us could just be curious about why some of us act differently than others and whom we will get along with best, and others may just want to see if their sign does, in fact, match their personality.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

20 Song Lyrics To Put A Spring Into Your Instagram Captions

"On an island in the sun, We'll be playing and having fun"

54541
Person in front of neon musical instruments; glowing red and white lights.
Photo by Spencer Imbrock on Unsplash

Whenever I post a picture to Instagram, it takes me so long to come up with a caption. I want to be funny, clever, cute and direct all at the same time. It can be frustrating! So I just look for some online. I really like to find a song lyric that goes with my picture, I just feel like it gives the picture a certain vibe.

Here's a list of song lyrics that can go with any picture you want to post!

Keep Reading...Show less
Chalk drawing of scales weighing "good" and "bad" on a blackboard.
WP content

Being a good person does not depend on your religion or status in life, your race or skin color, political views or culture. It depends on how good you treat others.

We are all born to do something great. Whether that be to grow up and become a doctor and save the lives of thousands of people, run a marathon, win the Noble Peace Prize, or be the greatest mother or father for your own future children one day. Regardless, we are all born with a purpose. But in between birth and death lies a path that life paves for us; a path that we must fill with something that gives our lives meaning.

Keep Reading...Show less
Health and Wellness

10 Hygiene Tips For All College Athletes

College athletes, it's time we talk about sports hygiene.

48604
Woman doing pull-ups on bars with sun shining behind her.

I got a request to talk about college athletes hygiene so here it is.

College athletes, I get it, you are busy! From class, to morning workouts, to study table, to practice, and more. But that does not excuse the fact that your hygiene comes first! Here are some tips when it comes to taking care of your self.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments