Girlfriends

I've stated before that I'm learning more and more as I get older how important it is to truly cultivate my relationships.  Every relationship takes work whether it be a spouse, family member or friend.  Close relationships are a gift.  Especially if they span years.  

I was listening to my local morning show on the drive in this morning and one of the DJ's talked about this blog she found.  In a recent post, the blogger made a list of the the important parts of having girlfriends.  It's geared to her young daughter and you can read her post here and go check her blog out at www.thehouseofhendrix.com.  She's got some awesome advice on there.

I felt the need to share this list with my own best friend today.  While not everything will apply at times or maybe ever, the advice is solid.  Check it out and if you're blessed to have some special girlfriends in your life, share it with them, too!

35 things I want my daughter to know about Girlfriends:

(a collection from a few of my trusted gals)

1. True girlfriends are those who will tell you the good and the bad. And find a way to make you feel OK about both.
2. Your best friend may have other friends too. That’s ok.
3. A girlfriend understands that we all want to feel celebrated on our birthdays.
4. Girlfriends come in all colors, shapes, and energy levels. Don’t have a type. You will miss out.
5. We are all imperfect people. Your friends will disappoint you. Forgive them even before they ask.
6. True girlfriends are those who meet you in the middle, and sit with you if the moment calls for sitting, and walk with you when you can move forward again.
7.  Be brave enough to be real. Your Authentic self is enough.
8. You know she’s a true girlfriend when you don’t clean up before she comes over… you’re comfortable allowing her to see YOU, mess and all.
9. A lack of phone contact should not breed insecurity, just an excitement for when you finally do connect. Pick up where you left off, no guilt or hesitation. Life is hard and we all know it. Grace should be freely given.
10. Life gets busy though. Be intentional.
11. Love them well. That will look different for each friend.
12. Truly good friends are your best cheerleaders– they make you feel like everything you want is possible.
13. If you find a friend that can make you laugh so hard you pee….don’t let her go.
14. There are no gasps or judgement when your child has a meltdown in front of her. Just a chuckle and a story about when her own child slapped her mother-in-law in the face.
15. Always reach out to the new girl in school or life. Always. 
16. A phone date together with a glass of wine and sleeping children can be as fulfilling as a dinner out.
17. True girlfriends are those who take and give in equal measure – but always remember to measure over the length of a yard and not over the length of an inch.
18. There’s a fine line between sharing information and gossiping. Don’t cross it and ask your friends to do the same.
19. You can make a friend feel loved by loving on her children.
20. It is a blessing to have an intimate few but always have room at your table. Be the anti-clique clique.
21. Don’t be a high maintenance friend, life’s hard enough. Just love well and often.
22. Laugh and cry together, often at the same time.
23. Don’t flirt with her boyfriend, spouse or love interest.
24. Remember your life and family are not supposed to look like hers. You were created differently. Don’t compare.
25. Friends should never feel like an obligation.
26. Girlfriends know when to simply say “you will get through this, I promise.”
27. When you know you are crazy, your girlfriend can assure you, you are normal, even though you are crazy.
28. A girlfriend understands your hormones, at all the different stages of womanhood.
29. Be Trustworthy  ”A gossip betrays a confidence, but a trustworthy person keeps a secret.”
30. True girlfriends always know how to point out the best in each other.
31. Apologize when you screw up, because you will.
32. Don’t just say you’re going to pray for her, actually pray, even when she doesn’t ask.
33. Know the purity of her heart. It’ll make it easier to give her the benefit of doubt.
34. Give of yourself expecting nothing in return. A true friend will reciprocate when she is able.
35. You have been placed in each others lives with great purpose. Cherish each other.