New Year's Resolutions and Friendship

I found this article from January 2013: 5 Friendship Resolutions to Keep Your Relationships in Shape by Laura Marie Meyes

I agree with what Laura writes, especially #4:
"Know when to forgive and when to let go. 
You're busy, your friends are busy, and it's inevitable that at some point, you may feel disappointed. Practice patience and empathy, and remember that your most important friendships should be more or less unconditional. And if a friendship does start to feel draining or painful, recognize when you need to create some extra distance. No need for dramatic friend breakups — just create the boundaries that feel right for you."

Good advice to remember - not just during the holiday season, but throughout the year.

Wishing everyone a Healthy and Happy New Year!

Hugs and Friendship

 

I am a hugger; I like to hug my friends and family.  When I see close friends, I embrace them and give them a hug that lasts for a few seconds.  For friends that I may not be as close with, the hug does not last as long.  If you hug for too long, it can become awkward...right?!

I have memories of hugs from certain people and I clearly remember the emotions from that hug.  For example, when I was going through a difficult time many years ago, I remember a close friend hugging me while I cried.  I was still sad, but I felt a burst of energy and love from this friend.  It's amazing what hugs can provide in times of crisis or need.  Furthermore, I've given hugs when I felt the friend needed it.

Hugs can say so much more than words can, especially when we're not sure what to say.  Hugs can provide emotional and physical comfort, and it sends a message of affection, connection and friendship.  There's something very intense about a hug, especially with a close friend.

However, I realize not everyone likes to hug and is the huggy-type; it depends on the person.  Some of my friends just don't seem to like to hug and even though we may be close, the hug is more of a quick thing and not an embrace.  It truly depends on the person and the comfort level she has with physical touch.  It's one of those things you notice right away about your friends. 

What are your thoughts on hugs?  Do you hug your friends or are you not the huggy-type?

Female Friendships on TV

This is a great article about female friendships on TV:

'Parks and Rec' and other 9 shows with female friendships that do us proud by Rachel Simon

Because of my love for New Girl, I would have added Jess and Cece.  I also would have included Rachel, Monica and Phoebe from Friends.  The list would not have been complete without the fabulous women from Sex and the City, so I'm glad they made the cut!

What do you think?  Did you feel there were any female friendships left out that should have been on that list?

Friendship With Men vs. Women

An old friend from high school shared with me that for a long time, she only had male friends, which was easier for her to maintain than female friends.  For me, I find that my male friendships do seem easier.  I have one very close male friend with whom the relationship seems to flow naturally; even though we live in different states, I feel the friendship is solid and drama-free.  Thus, I can understand why women sometimes prefer male friends over female ones.

I find this topic interesting because there is a difference when it comes to having male and female friends.  I often hear women discuss how they can't stand the drama of some of their female friends, and so they spend more time with their male friends.  But as we all know, males can have drama too!

I also believe that when females have been hurt by other females, they may be more inclined to seek out male friendships due to past painful experiences.  There is a fear of entering into another friendship that may end badly.  I can understand that mentality, however, we can't let our fears get in the way of potential positive friendships.

I think there are benefits to having both male and female friends, and having a healthy balance of both.

What do you think?  Do you prefer one group over the other?  If so, is it because of your friendship experiences?