Disclaimer...I’m talkin’ girl talk here, but I love you guys and it is JUST as important to have a best bud!
So, I was spending my time wisely scrolling Instagram today (wink) and came across this picture of an acquaintance of mine and her best friend sitting on a porch drinking coffee and laughing. And like Instagram tends to do, those pics give you all the feels. This one really made me think about friendships, specifically female friendships.
Occasionally I talk to people and they don't really have close girlfriends. Or they do but they don't haven’t made nurturing those friendships and enjoying those friendships as a high priority in their life for whatever reason. And don't get me wrong, there are seasons of life where friendships ebb and flow but I just have to tell you that maintaining close relationships with your friends is vital for your health.
I could get fancy-schmancy and look up some studies about how close relationships decrease your risk of heart disease or cancer, but for this one, I just have to tell you from one lady to another “Dude! Enjoy your girl time!”
Striking Girlfriend Gold
My best friend and I met the very first day of medical school before the very first class started. She was walking in front of me and held the door. I was wearing a tactfully planned outfit of navy pants and a light blue button-down shirt. I had no idea what to wear the first day of medical school. I remember thinking: “Surely you don't wear shorts and a t-shirt even though it's on a college campus. But also you don't want to look like the geek who is all dressed up for nothing.”
My BFF was walking in front of me with khaki cargo pants and Birkenstock sandals and I immediately thought “She is cool”. I was also struck by her openness. She told me about some drama with her boyfriend within an hour or so of meeting her. What sealed the deal was we both had a laugh when it was painfully obvious that one of our classmates was trying to show off his knowledge to the group of 200 of us.
When you can find someone that is willing to be their total self around you and not feel the need to impress or be impressed and you can be your total self around them without having to impress or be impressed, you both don’t take yourself too seriously and you share an ornery sense of humor … you've struck gold!
And gold it is...through ups and downs, relationships come and gone, births and deaths, moves, cries, and laughs. There is NOTHING like having someone who knows your heart and has its best interest in mind.
Finding a BFF: It’s Never Too Late
IF you have a BFF, please call her, do something nice for her, and show her you appreciate her. If you don’t have a BFF, it’s not too late to form new relationships. Think outside the box. Meet new people. Give more than you get. Be yourself. Follow your intuition and friendships can be born at any age.
And there are all different types too: online people you vibe with, Facebook groups around common interests or challenges, in-person hobby groups, church groups, and exercise groups. Get out there and find someone who respects all your quirks and is willing to laugh right along with you!
I know we’re not BFFs yet, but I would love to connect with you! The best place for us to meet is Instagram stories or my Facebook group. Be sure to follow my Facebook page also, but I love IG stories and my FB group for “real talk” time with my pals!
To Your Best Health,
Dr. Paige
Dr. Paige Gutheil is a board-certified osteopathic family medicine physician and advocate for a Whole Health approach to your wellness. She is on a mission to help people thrive by looking at all the influences on health...body, mind, and spirit. Dr. Paige is the founder of an innovative team-based direct primary care practice, Signature Primary Care and Wellness in Hilliard, Ohio. She and her colleagues provide comprehensive primary care, counseling, coaching, nutrition education and yoga to help people all over central Ohio and beyond make fun, achievable changes towards their healthiest and happiest life possible!
