GIRLFRIEND THERAPY

On Saturday, I met three of my longtime close girlfriends for a leisurely visit. We were invited to help one of the girls put some finishing touches on decorating her new apartment and helping her pick out a couple of outfits for a television interview.

Karen, the girl with the new place, invited us to come at 1:00. I arrived fashionably late but was quickly excused for my tardiness when I unloaded my sack of goodies which included Jose Cuervo ready-made margarita mix, chips, salsa, and guacamole. After pouring everyone drinks, we settled down to a nice, long chat.

It had been about 8 months since we were together last so we had a lot to catch up on. We shared stories about family, our jobs, Karen’s recent move, mutual acquaintances, and life in general. Sometime during the afternoon, we could hear thunder and rain hitting against the window pane. I lost all track of time.

Finally, when we gathered our things to leave, I looked at the clock and was surprised to see that it was nearly 7:00. We exchanged hugs and kisses and went our separate ways.

Thinking back on our rainy afternoon together, I am so thankful for my girlfriends. The four of us have been through a lot together. We’ve experienced an adoption of a new baby, death of a child, parents and co-workers, relocations, marriages and divorces, illnesses, new jobs, kid problems, the list goes on and on. But through all the years of chaos, sadness, joy, and celebration, we have been there for each other. We know the secrets, we share our disappointments and frustrations, we encourage one another, and most importantly, we do not judge each other. I call it GIRLFRIEND THERAPY.

In girlfriend therapy, we give and take so that not one of us dominates our "counseling sessions". Everyone gets equal time and attention. And we laugh, we laugh a lot.

I can’t imagine living my insane life without my girlfriends. The older I get, the more I need my friends. A husband is nice to have around. Children, family, and pets can bring great joy to life, but it is my relationships with my girlfriends that complete me.