'Maybe our girlfriends are our soulmates and guys are just people to have fun with.' ~ SATC

So as you can tell by now, a majority of my posts revolve around love, boyfriends (past & current), growing as an individual, etc. And isn't that really what life's all about? The relationships we have and the experiences and memories that those relationships create. I've harped on my past dating experiences and the men in my life, because those relationships have done a lot to shape me into this person I've become (and still becoming). But I have failed to make any mention one of the BIGGEST and most important relationships in my life... the ladies.

This post was actually inspired by a culmination of things I experienced this week. First, I read this article in Marie Claire Magazine called "Do Women Hate Attractive Women?" If you don't have the time to read it, it's basically about this woman (British journalist, Samantha Brick) who wrote an essay stating that women hate any other woman who they find to be attractive based solely on that fact. Now, don't get me wrong...we've all had our Mean Girls experiences in life, but I for one found this article to be slightly absurb (thankfully, Marie Claire agreed...I suppose I'll keep investing in it). I mean, I'm as guilty as the next girl when it comes to having a tinge of jealousy here and there. I envy any gal who can pull off shorts, orange, and a pixie cut (all of which is/would be a massive trainwreck on yours truly, ps). So, envious?? Maybe. But hateful?? C'mon! I think Cameron Diaz had a very valid point when she and JLo were on The Ellen Shown the other day...and that is our society LOVES. DRAMA. Especially when it comes to women. Shows like The Bachelor, Bad Girls Club, The Real World, and any "Housewives" show are proof in and of themselves. It's always women vs women, and usually it's over a stupid boy (yes, Brad Womak & Jake Pavelka, I'm talking about you). And yes we, as women, can be catty at times (some more than others). But through all the media and facebook posts and tweets, it makes it appear as though women on women crime is abundant...and NORMAL. I say NAY!

Oh Lindsay, what the hell happened to you??

But maybe it's because I'm spoiled. For example, earlier this week I posted a random picture of myself --

It was honestly just an attempt at being semi-artsy (and showing off my ballin' little pengy earrings, that I love so dearly). But when I posted it, I couldn't believe all the sweet things people were saying! And guess what...they were ALL women! (well, and the bf, of course...but he's obligated to do such) :o) I mean, it was just a few sweet and simple comments, but after all of this I had just read and saw about women hating women and what have you, it filled my heart with so much joy. And not because of what they were saying (although what girl doesn't like to be told they're pretty??), but because of the act itself. These women didn't have to say anything, much less the super kind words that were expressed. The joy that I felt came from knowing that I am SO blessed to be surrounded by such kind, strong, loyal, and overall supportive females. My closest friends have been there to help celebrate my victories and hold my hand through my darkest days. Told me what I needed to hear...not just what I wanted to hear. From care packages and awesome post-breakup mixed CDs to random, silly gifts or a card "just because"...these women in my life have done more to help mold me into who I am today and what I aspire to be as a friend, a sister, a human being. They have taught me patience, loyalty, and that lipstick really is my friend. I normally don't go around naming names, but because of the tremendous daily impact that these ladies have on me and my world, I feel it's the least I can do to acknowledge them by name: KT Lou, Raysh, Dibbs, Ash, JenJen, Stephy. Granted, I have had numerous other great women throughout my life, and although their role may have been a small one or short, it still leaves that lasting feeling that sisterhood and girl power really do exist. And if the women in your life don't make you feel the same way, then maybe you need to heed this advice from Marie Claire: "Most women are kind and empathetic, supportive and sustaining. . .Perhaps the fault, dear Samantha, is not in your face, but in your friends."

sis·ter·hood (sis ter hu̇d) n. - the solidarity of women based on shared conditions, experiences, or concerns.



These chickas were really on to something...and it wasn't platform boots or adult pigtails.

And now that we know this to be true, ladies...let me challenge you to this --

1) Pay a daily compliment to a fellow female. Whether it's your BFFL or a stranger in Target, if you're loving her new hairstyle or pining over that fab Coach purse she's sporting, TELL HER. Every girl deserves to feel pretty every day, right?

2) Tone down the cattiness (I would say "eliminate", but we're all human here). When you feel yourself about to go on a rant over some chick (for whatever reason), stop and think about it for a sec and why you're really upset. Did you have a bad day at work? Did you scuff your new J.Simps? (<~~~story of my life) Chances are you maaay not be so upset with this girl as you think you are. So next time you get a little worked up and start to say something fussy, stop. Take a breath. And think, "Am I really mad at her, or am I just projecting?"

3) Tell the ladies in your life what they mean to you. Really, you should let everyone in your life that you care about know how much you appreciate them...but especially the women. This is something I'm making my own personal mission. We tell our boyfriends how much we care about them daily (I mean, mine does deserve it). But how often are we telling our besties (without testes) how kick-ass we think they are? Not enough, I'm sure. So whether it's a short and sweet tweet or mailing them a little something that reminded you of them, let the ladies in your life know that you're thankful for them.

Remember that dispite our differences, we are all women. We all have strengths and weaknesses, triumphs and struggles. So instead of focusing on the negative, let's do our part to uplift and support each other and hopefully set an example for the next generation of our daughters, and that is what true sisterhood is. So cheers to you, my fabulous friends! :o) And don't ever forget. . .