As much as I love my husband and family, I think we get through this life with our friends. 

Who you marry is one of the most important decisions you will ever make, but the friends we make and keep are equally important. 

Every year, I take a girls' trip to Palm Springs with three of my dearest and best friends. I met these three women in the 2nd, 5th, and 7th grades, and many years later, they are still a vital part of my daily life and happiness. They are who I call or text when I am both struggling and celebrating.  

On the last trip we took, we ran into a young bachelorette party, and I was struck by how much these women had in store for their futures. As we snapped selfies with them, I reminded them to stay close, not to be afraid to reach out and share their struggles and achievements with each other, that these will be the women that support and love you and laugh with you when the times get hard, and celebrate you when you have a win. (Sometimes, sharing our successes is harder than sharing our defeats.)  

One of my people recently said something to me about how women are like Aspen trees. We are all connected underground and are the same species. When women turn on each other, it is because they get disconnected from their roots. It is our roots that bind us together and keep us strong. 

If there is a dear friend that you have gotten disconnected from, maybe dig underground a bit and reconnect your roots.

Also, remember to speak up when your feelings get hurt because they inevitably will. No one is perfect. View it as an honor when your friend tells you how they've been hurt so that you don't get defensive.

Whether they are elementary, high school, college, work, or community friends… everyone benefits when we reach out, speak up, and listen with compassion. 

Yours in friendship,
Andrea