Holland Sentinel   • 5 reasons women need friends      • email
print   • In the hustle bustle of a woman's life, being with
friends can fall to last on the list. However, whether the
connection is spontaneous or lifelong, friendship is key for
women at any stage. Friendships are vital. Authors Tom Rath and
Donald O. Clifton share in "How Full is Your Bucket?" that both
men and women are typically happier after spending time with
women. This is often due to a woman's ability to listen,
empathize and encourage. And it doesn't need to be for long
periods of time. Recently a neighbor and I, both in our pajamas,
had a wonderful help-me-with-motherhood-and-life conversation.
It was only for 15 minutes, but we both walked away rejuvenated
and ready for life. Friendships help us develop ourselves.
Applying what researcher Paula Pietromonaco says about
friendship in Jo Ann Larsen's "I'm a Day Late and a Dollar
Short": "The more [variety of friends] you have, the more likely
you are to get feedback about yourself. This