Updated: July 30, 2019
Originally Published: Feb. 11, 2015
If friends are the family we choose, then I’m happy to say my closest girlfriends and I have filled a significant void in our lives—we’re all sister-less. I’m an only child, while my friends Emma, Chloe, and Mia (pseudonyms) each have a brother, and our friend Sarah lost her sister to a long battle with illness a few years back.
Our journey together began in college, where we formed a tight-knit sisterhood that has lasted over two decades—25 years, to be precise! Our hair was wild, our sweaters oversized, and our eyebrows were, well, a bit of a mess. We found each other in that nostalgic space between The Breakfast Club and Reality Bites. Our photo albums capture every moment!
Our shared experiences include the typical squabbles and profound love that real sisters know. By our junior year at university near Boston, most of us lived in a suite together—the kind where late-night knocks at the door brought keg parties into our living room. On those rare quiet nights, Chloe would call me from her room next door, and we’d have deep conversations about life, including whether I would donate an egg to her in the distant future if she ever struggled to conceive. (Spoiler alert: she managed just fine, and I kept all my eggs!)
In our senior year, we shared a sprawling house and frequently debated whose responsibility it was to supply toilet paper for the guest bathroom—guess who argued for zero responsibility? But then there were those carefree days when we’d hop into a car, drive to Walden Pond, and revel in the joy of being young and free under the beautiful New England spring sun. I like to think of us as a five-sided crystal, a pentagon of love, support, and the occasional snarkiness.
In the initial years after graduation, we mostly settled around Boston and New York, but life soon scattered us across North America—New York, Washington, DC, Los Angeles, Fort Lauderdale, and Montreal. I miss them dearly, but as time has passed, that longing has softened into a comforting presence. In our younger days, it felt crucial for everyone to attend our trips; the fear of missing out was real—even if it hadn’t yet become a trending hashtag. Now, after experiencing the heartbreaking loss of loved ones, navigating divorces, and facing life’s ups and downs, we cherish every gathering, whether it’s just two of us for dinner or a full weekend getaway.
Recently, we were fortunate to reunite in Miami for a girls’ weekend celebrating Chloe’s birthday. Over the years, we’ve learned each other’s quirks and idiosyncrasies, and we made sure to include time for indulgent shopping at Lincoln Road. While I opted to relax by the pool instead of visiting an art museum, the coffee lovers and morning fitness enthusiasts slipped in their routines without disrupting the rest of us.
Despite some early wake-ups, scheduling disagreements, and towel shortages, we couldn’t help but look at each other with a sense of gratitude, saying, “We’re so lucky to be here—we’re so lucky to still be friends.” With five distinct personalities, it’s inevitable that we won’t always be on the same page, but that’s perfectly fine. Ultimately, our greatest joy comes from simply being together.
When I became a mom to twin girls, I was overwhelmed with fears about not understanding sibling dynamics. Growing up as an only child, I didn’t truly learn to share space until my mid-twenties. However, I soon realized that I do have sisters, albeit chosen ones. They’ve taught me invaluable lessons on negotiation, respecting differences, and, most importantly, how to love and be loved, even after ruffling feathers. Sisters, right?
For those embarking on their own fertility journeys, check out this insightful post about navigating parenthood, or explore the excellent resources on pregnancy and home insemination available here. And if you’re considering DIY options, the at-home insemination kit is a great place to start!
Summary
Sisterhood transcends blood ties, as demonstrated by a group of lifelong friends who fill the gap of sisterly bonds through shared experiences, laughter, and support. Their journey spans decades, showcasing the evolution of their relationships as they navigate life’s challenges. From college antics to adult reunions, their connection proves that friendship can create the family we need.
Keyphrase: Sisterhood through Friendship
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