I’ve been thinking a lot about female friendships lately. I guess I’ve been thinking about them because of Facebook. Every week, it seems another friend signs on to Facebook and you get that little notification: “We need to confirm that you know So-and-So in order for you to be friends on Facebook.” And that always makes me smile. I think, “Confirm my friendship? Are you kidding me? We’ve been friends since elementary school, and remember that time when we were ten, and we went door-to-door and asked the neighborhood to sign a petition to ‘save the dogs’ and …” etc., etc.
It lets me stroll, briefly, down Memory Lane while I hit that little blue link and “confirm.” It lets me remember all the wonderful times I had with that person, and – in general – all the wonderful women I’ve known. I get to remember how much they’ve all contributed to my life – a good laugh, a good cry, good advice or good times. Some of them have been there to inspire me, some to lead the way. Others are there asking for advice, and it makes me feel like I’m “giving back” a tip that someone gave me once – passing the wisdom down the line. Because we all need to be there for each other. …
In comments, my Aunt Helene sent this wonderful link to Kelly Corrigan’s reading of her essay “Transcending.” It’s gorgeous. Really. If you’ve ever had a female friend, or if you’ve ever felt a tad bit guilty going out for soup and salad with your favorite girlfriends after work when you knew you were missing a soccer a practice, watch this clip. It’ll remind you why we do it – and how, when we band together, and cherish those friendships, we all make each other stronger. Here’s the link.
Thanks, Helene, for sending it. Mizamiga also commented on it to me offline, and Dixie blogged about Kelly Corrigan’s book “The Middle Place.” Thanks to my blogging community! You send me great stuff. …