Lately, discussions about marriage seem to swing between two extremes: one moment we’re grumbling about how our spouse can’t locate the milk right in front of them (cue the collective sigh), and the next we’re exclaiming how our partner is the best thing since sliced bread, and we feel hashtag blessed (cue the eye roll).
I’ll admit, my husband, Tom, is a pretty fantastic guy. With 13 years of marriage and 17 years of being together under our belts, we’ve navigated our share of ups and downs. Sure, he can drive me absolutely nuts sometimes, but he remains my favorite person in the universe. He’s not just my husband; he’s my teammate, lover, and confidant, all rolled into one wonderfully imperfect package.
But here’s the thing: even though Tom is my favorite person (right after my kids, of course), he’s not my only person. No one can fulfill every role in our lives. That’s where my BFFs come in.
Tom may be my sounding board, privy to secrets that nobody else knows, but he tunes out when I start discussing cramps or the ins and outs of various birth control methods. He has zero interest in debating whether capris are fashionable or speculating on the latest celebrity divorce.
Our spouses are undeniably wonderful, possessing all those traits we look for in a life partner, but they simply can’t replace our girlfriends. Tom might be my friend, but he is not my bestie.
Unloading my frustrations about the socks scattered on the floor or how nobody in my family seems to understand how to load the dishwasher is cathartic when I chat with my girlfriends. Venting to my husband about those same issues rarely ends well.
While the occasional romantic getaway is essential for a healthy marriage, it cannot compare to a girls’ weekend where we’re laughing so hard we almost pee our pants. Date nights don’t replace that cherished afternoon of mani/pedis, filled with comfortable silences and snarky gossip (and plenty of mimosas). My girlfriends and I can reminisce about those terrible black bean brownies I attempted in college or poke fun at each other’s questionable choices in boyfriends back in the day. Thankfully, we’ve all made great choices in husbands.
We need time with our girlfriends—the ones who knew us before we became wives and mothers—because they remind us of who we truly are. They see the shy little girl with glasses, the awkward teen with crimped hair, and the adventurous twenty-something always ready to try something new. Our girlfriends see us for who we were, who we are, and who we aspire to be.
Life is hectic and pulls us in every direction. We want to cherish our moments with our incredible partner, but neglecting our friendships is not an option. We need them, and they need us. Nurturing those connections is vital.
With our girlfriends, we can share conversations that are just emojis and gifs. We can cry about a truly rough day without the expectation of fixing it, as some things simply can’t be mended. They understand the complexities of relationships, the frustration of being catcalled, the discomfort of walking alone at night, and the anger that arises when a mediocre man gets a promotion over us. They get what it means to be a woman in today’s world.
Our spouses are indeed amazing, and our bond with them is irreplaceable. Yet, it’s essential to recognize that they cannot meet all our needs. Expecting that is unrealistic and could strain the relationship.
So why not reach out to your BFF? Text her to say you’re thinking of her. Plan a girls’ night, even if it’s not until next month because of your busy schedules. Or tag her in a touching article about the importance of girlfriend bonds, if that’s what it takes. Express your love for her, whether through a silly emoji or a funny gif. It doesn’t require much; she understands how life can get in the way.
She gets it—just like only a girlfriend can.
For more insights and resources about home insemination, check out this article on at-home insemination kits, or visit this link for more on intracervical insemination syringe kits. If you want to dive deeper into the topic of artificial insemination, this Wikipedia page is an excellent resource for pregnancy and home insemination.
Summary:
While our spouses play an essential role in our lives, they cannot replace the unique support and camaraderie that girlfriends provide. It’s crucial to maintain those friendships, as they remind us of who we are and offer understanding that partners simply may not possess.
Keyphrase: The Importance of Girlfriends
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