The June/July issue of Working Mother is the latest magazine to report on the link between girlfriends and good health.  In fact, the magazine even calls "neglecting your girlfriends" one of its top three "energy sappers!" (Check out the article here.) If you need motivation to start scheduling girlfriend get-togethers, how’s this: Now there’s proof that girlfriends are good for your health, well-being, and relationships.

By the way, we know that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. But please remember that all posts on GirlfriendCelebrations.com are copyright protected. If you’d like to quote our content on your blog or website, by all means, spread the love, but be sure to give proper credit. Plagiarizers will be prosecuted. Thanks!

 
We already know that friendship improves physical health. A number of studies have shown that social bonds help us cope with stress, lower our blood pressure, and boost our immune system.

But now, as Working Mother and other women’s magazines have reported, UCLA researchers have identified a unique role for female friendship. Apparently, women’s physical stress response is different than men’s. While "fight or flight" is the typical known stress response for men, women, when  faced with stress, have a biological instinct to "huddle together with other females for safety." The researchers named this behavior "tend or befriend."

In addition to bolstering your physical health, keeping that monthly date with your girlfriends brings other important benefits:

• Friendships contribute to your own personal growth.  Connecting with girlfriends helps women temporarily step out of their roles as workers, wives or mothers and remember themselves as individuals with unique interests and needs.
• Female friendships are essential to female well-being. Sure, men can be friends. But there are certain needs they can’t meet. Only women can share stories and advice about mammograms, childbirth, and other distinctly feminine areas. 
• Friendships can make marriages stronger. When you take time to nurture your "girlfriend" side, you are happier and more fulfilled, and that makes you a better partner.
• Female friendships are (often) forever. Let’s face it–women live longer than men, and romantic relationships can come and go. The meaningful friendships you make now may sustain you later–even into your golden years.

See, we told you so–girlfriends are good for you! Do something positive for your health and well-being by scheduling a girlfriend get-together today. Right now is a great time of year to hold a Summer Book Swap or Wine Among Friends party. And, look for an all-new party plan coming shortly!