Girlfriends matter.
A landmark UCLA study suggests friendships between women are special. They shape who we are and who we are yet to be. They soothe our tumultuous inner world, fill the emotional gaps in our marriage, and help us remember who we really are.
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By the way, they may do even more. Scientists now suspect that hanging out with our friends can actually counteract the kind of stomach-quivering stress most of us experience on a daily basis. A landmark UCLA study suggests that women respond to stress with a cascade of brain chemicals that cause us to make and maintain friendships with other women. It’s a stunning find that has turned five decades of stress research — most of it on men — upside down.
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The rest of the article is here.
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As for my own girlfriends in my life…thank you for providing something so immeasurably important that I cherish during this “growing up” phase of turning 40. I appreciate the fact that you love me despite my many quirks and faults and hold up a mirror to me sometimes…love you for it.
~L
p.s. I have a new obsession! Check it out here.