Remember the silly all nighters with the girls: trying out the latest color of nail polish and lipstick, creating new hair-dos and sharing dreams of growing up?

Sure. It's true. As we age the all-nighters aren't possible nor do we desire that.
If you have left little room in your life for girlfriends, its time for a change.

Men are not girlfriends

Yes, men are wonderful. They are husbands to us. They are fathers to our children. They are lovers and friends. They are fixers and protectors. But face it. Men are in a category completely different than the girls. Men meet different needs in our lives but they do not meet all the needs in our lives. The truth is there is not a man in the world that can take the place of a girlfriend.

Girlfriends are essential

The differences between men and women have been expanded in various ways in our society. We know that men are from Mars, women from Venus. And while we enjoy the life partnership of a man, this is no substitute for the ongoing relationships of girlfriends in our lives.

Girlfriends understand our moods when we are feeling blue and just need some chocolate. Girlfriends shop 'til we drop and know our favorite mall. Girlfriends bring soup when we are sick, show up when we need a distraction and listen to our worries when our kids aren't turning out right.

Make time if you've forgotten

If you have ignored the essential relationship of girlfriends in your life, its not too late to start again. Look for women in your life where you live. Your workplace. Your church. Your neighborhood. Find women that have some commonality. Young children or grown. There are women near you that are needing girlfriends, too. Start with lunch or Saturday morning walk in the neighborhood.

Plan a girlfriend group

Create a book club or a supper club with the women in your life you would like to know better. Even if its a monthly event, its a great place to get started and make new friendships. Books like "The Ya-Ya Sisterhood" and "Steel Magnolias" are helpful reminders of the easy way women blend together during good and bad times.

Girlfriends take effort

Plan to make the effort to finding, growing and maintaining a group of girlfriends. You will find the effort worthy of your time as the added enjoyment to your life will multiply throughout the years. Through thick and thin, skinny and fluffy, perfect children and not, the benefits of girlfriends extends to the joy of your heart.

Girls, get going!

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