Growing up, I didn't have many "close" friends. I was bullied a lot, and didn't participate in a lot of the activities that allowed girls to form those bonds. Even in high school, I only had about two or three girls I knew would have staying power in my life (you ladies know who you are). So, entering college, I was skeptical of the whole "finding your bridesmaids" concept. Even when I got my bid to my sorority, I always had the nagging thought that I may not find "forever friends" like I had hoped. I can't tell you how wrong I was.
From the first moment we each hung out, I knew that the concept was spot on. These girls were the ones that were going to be my bridesmaids. Each day since, that bond and realization has only grown stronger and cemented itself. They're my sisters, my best friends, my girls until the end. The fact that I was able to find that so quickly as well as implicitly is a such a blessing. Every day, they each make my life so much sweeter, and for many reasons.
When you find your girls, your life changes for the better. A whole new dynamic and support system comes about, one that you always know will be there. Before, it was just your family, but now it's them, too. Your family may support and love you no matter what, but there are some things that, for now, you might not be able to share with them or get the support you'd like (i.e. boys, your night time activities, maybe even your major, so on). That's where your girls come in. They're the ones who will cover those things and support you through it. They see things at the same level you do, so they can understand and relate all while providing a different perspective to things. Moreover, your family, though it's out of love, has their own plans and ideas in their head about where they see you, what they want in your life, and so on. They've dreamed about it from the day you were born, so they can't really help it.
But that can blind them to some things. That's where the "I love you, but" comes in. But I know that you shouldn't be dating in general/dating this guy. But I know that you need to not go out at all/not go out so much. But I know that a different major would be more lucrative/has more jobs in the market. There's a lot of but's and I know best's, as you can see. And, as they have gone through all this already, there are times they are right and they do know best. But sometimes they aren't right, or what they think is best doesn't line up with what you think is best. That's where your girls come in. Believe me, they don't sugar coat anything, just like your family, but instead of the but's and the I know best's, it's "whatever makes you happy." And you need that in your life.
Another thing your girls provide is constant stability. You see, things in life come and go; they can be fleeting. Your lasting friends are not. One day you could be dating a guy you think is The One, and the next you're single. Another day you could have a 4.0 in your classes, and the day after you have a 2.5. In short, one moment you're on top of the world and the next you're not. No matter the moment, your girls are there. When you're on top, they're the ones celebrating with you, popping a bottle of champagne and reveling in your success right alongside you. When you've hit a low, they're the ones helping to pick up the pieces, cracking open a bottle of wine and reminding you of your worth. In a world of constant ups and downs, where nothing in the future can be planned even if you try (I know I can't help myself; it's the Pinterest addiction), having something so consistent and stable is a God-send.
The final reason I'll cover is that your girls give you the perfect balance of silly and serious. When you need to get your grades up, they'll head to the library with you and make sure you focus, they'll read over papers, help with math problems, they'll get real serious and do their best to help you get back on track. When you go through a tough break up, they'll be right there, holding you when you cry, reminding you he was a POS/SOB anyway, binge eat pizza and binge watch Netflix with you, then get you off your butt and back out there reminding you that there is someone out there who will treat you right. And in any other more serious situation, they'll crack the whip to help get back on track. However, at any other time, it's just a plethora of silliness and fun. Not really feeling going out? They'll bring the party to you; literally, they will put on Spotify and bring bottles of wine and legit have a party in your room. And don't get me started on Bachelor/KUWTK nights. You see, your girls just bring a balance of fun and seriousness, which is a necessity throughout life.
Honestly, having best friends is so important in everyone's life. And having girls, like I have mine, is even better. They're your best friends and sisters combined. They're the ones that actually complete you and make your life whole. Nothing else could do that but them. Except maybe puppies. Or pizza. But even those things are better experiencing with your girls. Unless they hog the puppy or eat all the pizza; if they do that, they aren't your girls anyway.
