THE IMPORTANCE OF FEMALE FRIENDSHIPS

A medical study found that women who have close female friendships are less likely to develop physical impairments as they age, are likely to be seen living vital, exciting, and joyful lives. They live longer.

Only recently have scientists started to research on the effects of stress on women. It turns out when we are stressed, our body gets flooded by oxytocin which is a feel-good calming stress-reducing hormone which is also increased when we are with women friends (men generally do not have the same level of this hormonal relief because testosterone diminishes the effect of oxytocin). As such when faced with stress men experience fight or flee response. In women generally, when the hormone oxytocin is released, it buffers the fight or flee response and encourages her to tend children and gather with other women. It’s biology.

Nurturing positive and empowering friendships (not just network) with other women is really important. If you haven’t put in the time and effort to do so, you can start now.