5 Friends every woman needs

"You can choose your friends {but you can't choose your family}"

Have you thought about your friends lately? Why some are most special and treasured? How do they contribute to your success and growth as a person...? 

Friends have the ability to impact you in a way that is completely unique.

So, without further ado, here's my list of the 5 Friends Every Woman Needs:

Congeniality
Every woman needs someone who is unwaveringly committed to the art and practice of hospitality. You know the type of friend I'm talking about - she always knows just the right thing to say or to do in almost every social situation. It is a comfort and a delight to be her sidekick and watch her in action as she does her thing. It's easy and effortless to be in her company; she's poised, confident, gracious, full of class, and she's nearly always right. 




Slightly Irreverent
This good girlfriend will always keep your perspective in check. If you've soaked too much with Miss Congeniality, you may tend to slip towards perfectionism...just before you plunge off that cliff, Miss Slightly Irreverent is there to pull you back from the edge and remind you that it's not the end of the world just because your jewelry is silver and your purse is gold. She's confident, sure-in-herself...and you can't help but be bolstered by her devil-may-care attitude. She's there to remind you that, while honey catches more flies than vinegar, who on earth is really interested in catching FLIES anyways?


Totally different than you
Why you need this friend: sometimes you need someone who will challenge you in certain ways and in specific areas of life. These friends compete in arenas that you haven't even dreamed of...and that makes you simultaneously comfortable (since you know there's no need for comparison or competition) and uncomfortable ("wow, this really stretches me to think in ways unfamiliar to me"). I am not athletic, by any means, but a few of my friends could certainly be considered world-class athletes. I also have friends who are at the top of their field or chosen profession, who are exceptionally bright & creative, and who are phenomenal entrepreneurs. These friends are inspiring and motivating. Though I may never be any of those things, there is a lot to be gained from simply soaking in their perspective on things!


Miss Sunshine
Why you need this friend: Let's face it; life can be darned hard. And, while you might think it would be the most irritating thing in the world to have someone who is perpetually positive during a time of difficulty, you just might be missing out on a rare treat! She's a superb listener, loves you unconditionally and reminds you of what's important and good about life. Spending time in her company helps you keep a proper perspective on life...and this friend is usually armed with an encouraging word or Bible verse to cheer you up.


Always & Forever
Even though you may not see each other or talk every week, you know this is steady and true. When you do finally get re-connected, you may have marathon phone (or Skype) dates, catch up on everything, and smile for days afterwards. And whenever the rare opportunity presents itself for the two of you to get together in person, it is just amazing. She knows your history...and she also knows how you're likely to respond in a given situation - doesn't it feel wonderful to be really known by someone? - yet she doesn't judge you for your short-comings.  


I am so very blessed to have friends (and family members) who fall into each of these categories...and most fall into more than one category! Their strengths serve to inspire, motivate, encourage and challenge me.

What are the qualities of your closest friends that make them so special and so important to you?

Also, let me say "Thank you!" to all who responded to my requests for input...and thanks, especially, for those who inspired this post; I am blessed to call you Friend.

And please check out this post, by my friend Amanda in Memphis, to get her perspective on the 5 friends!


:)