Ah, girlfriends. They have such a connection, a sisterhood, a mysterious power over each other. They share everything - secrets, shoes, hair products. They can and usually do have a huge impact on each other's relationships, for good or bad. Studies show the best way to meet eligible men is through girlfriends. And the best way to stay sane once you've met that special fella is to have plenty of "girl power" on your side.
I was interviewed on the news here in Los Angeles this week about Oprah and her best friend Gayle King, and the fact that they responded to rumors that they are gay by writing an article in O Magazine this month about their long, close friendship. The news segment aired after terrifying footage of the war in Lebanon and the devastating wildfires in Southern California, and so really - who cares if Oprah is or isn't gay? But it got me thinking - many women are so close with their dearest girlfriends that it befuddles those around them - (especially the Lennys and Squiggys they know). They are physically snuggly, openly emotional, and deeply intertwined in a way that leads others to sometimes suspect there must be "more" going on. Ironically, this very closeness with another woman is often what enables each to succeed with the men in their lives - giving them the support, strength and encouragement that is so vital to their ability to make their primary romantic relationships thrive. And when these friendships falter, it is often more shocking and heartbreaking than a "boy/girl" break up.
Do you have such a friend? I do. Join me this week with my best friend, Megan Baker, as we discuss women's friendships and the vital role they play in our lives and loves. Megan and I have had a big impact on each other's personal and professional realities - she first connected me with the relationship institute that clued me in about men and put me on the path of relationship coaching (in which she was a founding member and long-time participant - so she's quite the expert herself!). She and her former fiancé were my main champions in my single life. Megan later came to live with me for weeks when that engagement was suddenly broken. Through the years I introduced her to two of the great loves (and losses) of her romantic journey. It was she who massaged my back at 2 a.m. the night before my wedding, after I'd had anxiety-induced insomnia for over a month. She wears my grandmother's platinum and diamond wedding ring set which I've loaned her as a symbol that she's "married to herself" until she finds Mr. Right. She is like a sister to my husband and auntie to my nephew, and celebrates every major holiday and milestone with us.
Ricky and Fred never had it so good. So grab your girlfriends as we celebrate the triumphs of the girlfriend bond. Tune in, call in, and be enlightened.
