It’s well-known that women excel at building and maintaining friendships, a skill that has profound implications for health and well-being. While the male loneliness crisis has been linked to higher rates of stroke, heart attacks, and suicide, women aren’t immune to the growing epidemic of loneliness. In Canada, social isolation is a significant public health concern, with many women reporting feelings of loneliness as our society becomes increasingly disconnected. Understanding how women foster and maintain friendships could be vital in addressing this crisis and rekindling meaningful connections.
How Women Foster Friendships
Maintaining adult friendships isn’t always easy. Between juggling a career, family responsibilities, and household duties, it can feel like there’s little time left for friends. However, friends offer a unique source of comfort and support, distinct from romantic partners or workplace acquaintances. The key to nurturing these relationships is intentionality. As Jane Fonda notes in a Self article, building strong friendships requires vulnerability and a willingness to reach out—sometimes as simply as saying, “Hey, I think you’re great, and I’d love to be friends.” This straightforward approach, which worked in childhood, can be just as effective in adulthood.
The Lifelong Benefits of Female Friendships
Women’s friendships don’t just add joy to life—they can literally extend it. Studies have shown that strong plantonic relationships reduce depression and anxiety while promoting healthier behaviors. In Canada, where long winters and busy lifestyles can contribute to feelings of isolation, having a supportive social network is crucial. Friendships provide a sense of community, offering support during life’s most challenging moments.
Friendships can develop at any stage of life, especially during times of change, such as starting a new career or becoming a parent. These transitions often introduce new people into your life, offering opportunities to form connections with others who share similar experiences. Having friends who understand your struggles can be the key to thriving through these changes.
Not All BFFs Last Forever
Not all friendships are meant to last forever, and that’s okay. Sometimes, like a fleeting summer romance, a friendship might be temporary. However, unlike romantic relationships, there aren’t clear guidelines for ending a friendship, which can lead to awkwardness or conflict. In Canada, where politeness often dictates social interactions, ending a friendship can be particularly challenging.
It’s important to acknowledge that friendships, like romantic relationships, sometimes need to end. Whether it’s a slow fade or a more abrupt departure, knowing how to navigate the end of a friendship can open the door to new, more fulfilling connections. And if you find that your friendships consistently fall short, it might be time for some self-reflection and possibly therapy—though, of course, your therapist shouldn’t become your new best friend!
Keep Building and Cherishing Friendships
Whether you’re searching for a new best friend or mourning the loss of an old one, it’s essential to keep putting yourself out there. Building and maintaining friendships takes time and effort, but the rewards—longevity, happiness, and a sense of belonging—make it all worthwhile.