Action Steps to Deeper Female Friendships 💞

After our sunrise ocean plunge, one of the women sent me this note:

“I really want to work on making new and strengthening existing female friendships this year. Although I have a whole bunch of friends I want FRIENDS who are the real deal and go deeper. I've been so sucked into motherhood I have neglected that part of myself for so long. Keep doing what you're doing bringing us all together and hold me accountable for attending all the things!”

OMG, raise your hand if you agree! 🙋🏼‍♀️ Do you also aspire to bring more depth into your friendships, transcending the regular chit-chat about the weather and creating bonds that are like REAL??

Motherhood and the hustle of life can overshadow the importance of cultivating and cherishing our female friendships that go beyond the surface and are built on trust, shared experiences, and authenticity. I know putting in the work is hard. And so often, time goes by, and I fail at keeping up friendships because I know they'll be there when I return to them. But what about new ones? Making new friends can sometimes be weird and take longer as an adult.

Here are my fav tips on how to deepen female relationships with old & new friends: 💁🏼‍♀️

Plan Regular Gatherings: Consistency is key! Consistency breeds familiarity and comfort. The more time you connect - even via text - the more you talk, the closer you'll be. When I first conceptualized TWT Events, I knew I didn't want to just be one and done. It's not: I did it, so I don't need to do it again for a while. Friendships take time, and they have to be nurtured and cultivated. So you KNOW I'm creating more gatherings to make it even easier for you to say, heck yes, I'm IN! And it is easy to say, hey, gf, wanna join me? Let's make saying, "I'm IN!" a no-brainer.

Initiate Vulnerable Conversations: Be the spark that ignites heartfelt talks. Dare to be open about your dreams and struggles. Start the conversation, and watch it unfold into something beautiful. Share your thoughts, goals, and challenges. Vulnerability creates space for meaningful connections. When you go first, it opens the floor to a whole new conversation. Ask HOW she's doing, and don't just accept "fine" or good" as an answer. I bet she needs to spill it all out, and can you only imagine all of the ideas that come from it? Encouraging each other to go after your hopes and dreams and ways you can help each other? There's so much good that can come from sharing - especially when it's hard. Turning to a friend can be precisely what is called for.

As I type this, a newer friend just texted me a life update. I supported her and asked if she wanted to talk more about it. Just being a listening ear creates these vulnerable conversations. And knowing she can turn to me makes me feel like we're friends, which makes me feel good, too.

Active Listening: Genuine connection begins with paying attention. Show that you care by remembering details, asking meaningful questions, and sharing their joys and challenges. Pay attention when your friends share (and ask if they are holding back). Remember details about their lives, ask follow-up questions, and show that you genuinely care. Shoot them a note after their big day to see how it went. 💬 Forward an article with them because they'll find it interesting. Sharing is caring, and you'll BOTH feel it.

Go Beyond Dinner Dates: Refer to the 7/6 newsletter, How to Create More Meaningful Friendships with Your Girlfriends, which says you don't just have to go out for dinner - try a healthy activity! The other day, I sat with my friend, discussing how she wanted to go on more walks. 👟 So I told her to get her sneakers, and off we went. Little things like that take you and the relationship one step further.

Accountability Partners: Hold each other accountable for attending events and spending quality time. And when you do that, you hold yourself accountable. To do the activity. To build the relationship. To show up for yourself and others. You can be each other's "Friends In Action Partner," attending events together, sharing more about your struggles, or trying new activities. When you complete a friendship-building goal, celebrate! Send a congrats text, treat yourselves to a special outing, or even a happy dance. Life is hard, so make it FUN! 🥳

Making BFF’s Recap:

1. Plan Regular Gatherings

2. Initiate Vulnerable Conversations

3. Active Listening

4. Go Beyond Dinner Dates

5. Accountability Partners

Now, here's the exciting part: TAKE ACTION! Choose one tip that resonates with you and make it a reality this week. Keep taking the steps and remember that connection and support are at the heart of growth and empowerment. Building stronger, lasting friendships is a decisive step towards nurturing your confidence. Embrace the opportunities around you, take the initiative to reach out, and let your friendships shine. 😄

Love you. Gotta go. Byeeeee.

xoxo

Tamara

P.S. I'd love to hear your ideas and stories about building meaningful friendships! And stay tuned for the next TWT meet-up so we can put this into action together! 🙌