Celebrate Your Friends on National Friendship Day

Today, August 4th is National Friendship Day in the United States. The first thing that popped into my head while writing this post was the lyrics from The Golden Girls, “Thank you for being a friend.” (I am reaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaally showing my age with this one). Those lines conjured up images of Blanche, Sophia, Rose, and Dorothy and totally made me smile. Those old broads were total friendship goals!

On this day of friendship celebration, I feel fortunate to have even a handful of women I call good friends. My friends know I am there for them, even if several months pass because they understand life happens. They don’t take it personally. We pick up right where we left off. After becoming a mom, I felt tremendous guilt for not reaching out as often as I’d like to friends. But they do remind me…it’s OK, and it happens to all of us.  

I asked some of my own friends on Facebook for friendship-related advice. They delivered.  Here are some of their best nuggets along with one of my own:

  • Everyone deserves to be heard…Look at your friend’s face while they are speaking to you…(you always give sage advice Shari!)
  • Surround yourself with women of all ages and stages of life.  It will broaden your perspective, give you insight, and help you grow. (Well said, Alicia!)
  • Friendships, like most other relationships, are cyclic…like the ocean tides. (YAS, Bill, this is such a great metaphor!)
  • A real true friend will always be there for you. (So right on, Hope.)
  • Always be kind (Kay – this is such a good reminder, no matter who you are speaking with – friend or not.)
  • My closest friends are not the ones I always hang out with the most but the ones I’m most myself with. (Thank you Katy…good friends let you just be YOU.) 
  • When you are thinking of them, reach out! Don’t put it off. Even if it’s a text, a quick email, phone call or note to say, “I’m thinking of you” or “I miss you!” I love these types of small gestures from friends knowing they are taking a minute to think of me, even in the hustle and bustle of their daily lives.

What about you, fellow readers? What friendship wisdom do you have to share? How have your friendships changed since becoming a parent? Share your best tips with the rest of the villagers!  

And to my own tribe of besties (Autumn, Jane, Layla, Siani, and Sandee), I am very fortunate to be able to call you my friend. I am forever thankful and grateful for your friendships in my life.