Friendship: what it mean means to me
As we grow, our life complexities multiply. It can vary from physical to emotional turmoils and a huge part of carrying on through hurt lies in SAFE sharing. Even a joy so much needs out so it doesn’t suffocate one. A little and also an unappreciated one deserves hype.
And as with almost all ideas, female friendships to be specific has a gendered angle to it. There’s this sad and unfounded belief that “women are each other’s enemies” that even makes some ladies declare that they only have male friends.
A culture that stifles self expression for uniformity and competition for approval invariably breeds jealousy. It becomes a human thing, not a female one. So, while you might have encountered close minded players in the big game, there are still loads of self aware ladies.
Another thing that stands in the way of female friendships is romantic relationships. Only few females weren’t raised to aspire to male love and marriage as the ultimate goal. While that is a nice aspiration, it’s important to accept the possibility of having both, none, or one without the other. Because you can’t control people. And it is a very high form of commitment.
All I’m saying is that we should leave a space for love which is much needed in our lives without it necessarily being romantic. And arguably, friendships have a higher tendency of lasting because exclusivity and high commitment and involvement isn’t needed even though it can give almost the same level of intimacy.
I would describe friendship as a personal community. I alone have many friends with whom we’ve nurtured each, a special relationship; one rooted in care, respect, playfulness, shared happiness, sadness and grief. We’ve explored deepest fears, insecurities, pasts, dreams and aspirations, gifts and resources. A home.
Cheers🎊
