Growing up I didn't have many girl friends. Maybe it was because I didn't have similar interests or maybe it was because I just didn't want to. The image that society, television and media portray of female friendships is most of the times negative. It's filled with jealousy, revenge and shaming. In reality, most girl friendships are just that, a friendship between girls. Sure there's some drama and fights but if the friendship is destined to last, they often find a way to get through the hard times together.

In college, everything changed. I got a little 'girlier' and became to see how beneficial healthy girl friendships could be. It took a lot of trial and error but eventually I found the girl squad I wanted and needed. Some are from my sorority, some from my classes and others from my Bible study and Christian organization. All of them are amazing women though, and have impacted my life in ways I couldn't even imagine.

Some of them strengthened me in my faith, some encouraged me with my academics and others are the perfect people to just goof around with. Not to say that there isn't drama, fighting or problems that occur. We have learned that we are all mature women that instead of dragging it out, we address the situation and move on. This is completely different to what is portrayed on television where it seems that within girl friendships there is always a huge fight that nearly destroys the relationship. Or worse yet, they tear each other down until they are both a shell of the woman they use to be. This isn't something that's new, the portrayal of toxic female friendships has been an ongoing trend in movies, TV shows, and books since I had remember.

We need to stop judging each other so hard. I understand caring for your friends and wanting the best for them, but make sure it's never coming from a bad place. Women have come so far, but we still have a long way to go. Countless times I still see friends shame or put down their friends instead of building them up.

You see I don't want a Veronica Lodge and Betty Cooper relationship, I want a Cristina Yang and Meredith Grey friendship. I don't want to fight over boys and pull knives out of my back, I want girl friends who will push me to be the best. Girl friends who will be there for me when I'm upset and just need a shoulder to cry on. Women who will defend me against others and hear out my opinions. I want female friends who know when to just have fun and hang out. And I lucked out, because I've found those friends, and I hope that they will last a lifetime. So thank you to the girls who prove the stereotypes wrong every day, and show me how important girl friends truly are.