How Female Friendships Saved My Life—More Than Once
This International Women’s Day, I’m reflecting on the kind of love that’s carried me through my darkest moments—my female friendships.
More than once, the women in my life have saved me in ways I can never repay. If you’ve ever felt the unshakable power of sisterhood (or you're wondering how to create this kind of connection) this one’s for you.
If you had asked me in my 20s what love meant, the first thing that probably came to mind was romantic - the kind of “grand gesture” love you mostly see in rom-coms.
But now, after everything life has thrown at me, I’ve come to appreciate that the ACTUAL love that has saved me, over and over again, has most often come not from a romantic partner but from my best girlfriends.
I know I’m not alone in this. There’s something unique about the way women love each other—the way we show up, the way we listen, the way we carry each other when things fall apart.
I’ve had seasons in my life when I was certain I would drown—times when grief, heartbreak, or self-doubt felt insurmountable. And in those moments, it was the women in my life who threw me a life raft.
👉 There was the time I was so heartbroken and hopeless that I needed to cry on the phone to my best friend almost daily, and she sat through and patiently listened as I repeated myself and cried, utterly stuck in despair.
👉 And the time my Lisbon girlfriends rallied around me and threw the party for my first book launch—reminding me that when one of us wins, we all win.
Through every high and low, my friendships have been a constant. These women have picked me up when I couldn’t stand on my own, celebrated me when I forgot how to celebrate myself, and held a mirror up to my worth when I struggled to see it.
And here’s the thing: This isn’t just sentimental. Science backs it up.
Why Female Friendships Are Essential for Our Well-Being
They lower stress and improve mental health. Studies show that close female friendships help regulate cortisol levels and reduce anxiety. It’s why a conversation with a best friend can feel like therapy (but with snacks).
They help us live longer. Research has found that strong social connections—especially friendships—can increase lifespan and improve overall health.
They make us more resilient. Life can be brutal, but friendships soften the blow. They remind us we don’t have to go through things alone.
They remind us of who we are. In a world that constantly pressures women to shrink, dim, or perform, our friendships hold space for us to be fully ourselves—no masks, no apologies.
How to Strengthen the Friendships That Matter Most
If you’re lucky enough to have deep, soul-filling friendships, nurture them. If you’re longing for that kind of connection, it’s never too late to build it.
Here’s how:
💛 Prioritize quality time. Life gets busy, but friendships need intentionality. Schedule that coffee date, make the phone call, plan the trip. Connection doesn’t happen by accident.
💛 Be the friend you want to have. Show up. Check in. Celebrate her wins as if they’re your own. A thriving friendship is built on mutual care.
💛 Create rituals of connection. Maybe it’s a weekly FaceTime, a shared playlist, or an annual tradition—something that keeps you tethered, even when life pulls you in different directions.
💛 Don’t be afraid to go deep. Vulnerability is the bridge to intimacy. Let your friends see you, really see you. Be honest about what you need, and hold space for them to do the same.
💛 Make new friends, even as an adult. If you’re feeling disconnected, know that new friendships are always possible. Join a community, attend an event, reach out to someone whose energy you admire. Friendship isn’t just about who has been there the longest—it’s about who shows up.
This International Women’s Day, Let’s Celebrate Each Other
We live in a time where so much feels uncertain. Where women’s rights, safety, and well-being are still under threat. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed—maybe even powerless.
But one thing we can do is hold onto each other. We can remind each other that we’re not alone. We can commit to being a source of love, strength, and unwavering support for the women in our lives.
And in doing so, we remind ourselves that we are never truly alone either.
So today, text your best friend. Tell her what she means to you. Plan that long-overdue dinner. Invest in the friendships that make life softer, richer, and more joyful.
Because if there’s one thing I know for sure, it’s this: Women loving each other is one of the most powerful forces in the world.
With love,
Therese 💛