How Female Friendships Complete Us
Can you guess one of the most beautiful things I have as a woman, something I cherish every day?
Yes, it’s the female friendship.
There’s a space in our hearts that’s uniquely filled, not by family or partners, but by those who embrace our flaws without the intent to break us down. In that space, I’ve found the strength of friendship: from schoolyard laughter, deep conversations over coffee, to tearful late-night calls — my friends have always been there. Sometimes they show up with words, and sometimes, in quiet understanding.
This article, I dedicate to my beloved friends.
I was inspired to write this after watching The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants (2005). Behind the magical jeans shared by Lena, Tibby, Bridget, and Carmen, the film reminded me of how friendship can endure even through the unpredictable waves of life. Female friendships often stand out as more emotionally rich compared to male friendships — not that men don’t have them, but our ability to empathize and care for one another creates bonds of strength and affection.
This reflection might be biased because not everyone has the privilege of such friendships. Also for that, I must first express my gratitude for having been blessed with good friends. Female friendships saved me when I entered middle school with no familiar faces from elementary school. Since that day, I’ve had friends who colored my days. We spent our youth joyfully, doing silly things, and trying new experiences I’d never had before. They remain some of my oldest friendships to this day.
As we grew older, life, of course, wasn’t always filled with laughter. The challenges became more complex, and I was often surprised by how hard life could be. When we parted ways after high school to pursue our own paths, we still remained each other’s support system. What’s unique about female friendships is that they can be low-maintenance — there’s no need to communicate constantly, but the bond remains. Then one day, a message in the group chat invites us to meet, and we gather, whether it’s been a month, six months, or even a year.
After college and starting new career, female friendships once again saved me from the noise and, at the same time, the loneliness of a big city. These women, they add sweetness to life. They’re the ones who indulge my silly desires to try cute-overprice-desserts, sip coffee in a new aesthetic cafe, take pictures at some cute spots, have random weekday dinners after work, and follow through on all my whims. All these moments become treasured memories I’ll hold dear forever.
What’s fascinating is that female friendships are wise enough to offer advice to others, but when we, ourselves are faced with that situation, we might not be able to walk our talk. That’s the point — we need each other. These friends often become my source of emotional strength, helping me navigate phases of heartbreak, loss, and disappointment. They say that female friendships fix hearts they didn’t break. Perhaps they knew from the beginning what was wrong and tried to warn me, but when I chose a different path, they stood by me, watchful yet supportive. And when my choice proved wrong and my world collapsed, they stayed, comforting me without judgment. They grew angry at those who hurt me, cursed them too, shared my pain, and even shed tears next to me.
Female friendship embodies love in its simplest form — talking on the phone late into the night when I can’t sleep, sending funny TikToks, staying up for late-night talks during sleepovers, letting me stay at their place after a breakup, traveling to visit my city when I’m feeling down, giving me an alibi for my parents (to the one whose name I often use, thank you), sharing skincare recommendation, listening to hours of voice notes filled with rants, and encouraging each other to keep going in life.
Female friendships don’t just embrace our strengths; they also accept our weaknesses. They don’t use those weaknesses to tear us down; instead, they lift us up. Often, they remind me of the importance of self-acceptance and self-love. They see qualities in me that I may not recognize myself. When I go into wrongdoing, even though it’s sometimes hard for them to say, I appreciate their honesty in helping me find my way back.
It’s intriguing because, though best friends exist outside the family or partners, they somehow manage to take on the roles of both when we need it most. To my dear friends, thank you for always being there, even after knowing all my faults and flaws. I sincerely pray for your happiness in this world, for you deserve it all. For all the kindness you’ve shown me, may you receive it back a thousand times over.
Because of you all, I realize that I lack nothing in life. My life is already full, and your presence fills the empty spaces, making it complete. I hope you can feel the same too — the goodness in sisterhood.
