The Importance of Friendships

I just finished the second season of And Just Like That, the spinoff show from Sex and The City. I could discuss how SATC has been problematic and explore if And Just Like That is making amends, but for now, I want to focus on what that show got right: friendship. As AACG dives into singlehood, it seems fitting to simultaneously focus on the importance of friendship in our lives. Friends become our chosen family. For many people, romantic relationships ebb and flow over time and friends are the consistent foundation that brings us strength and connection. It must also be said that you can also have deep, meaningful friendships and still long for a romantic partner. For most of us, friendships can't replace romantic love, but they can fill the role of companion.

Think back for a moment on your life's ups and downs. Who did you tell when you got accepted into college? Who did you text when you got your first grown-up job? What friend did you turn to when your parent got sick or your pet died? Who did you turn to during a breakup or divorce? These people are your lifelines.

I think about Carrie Bradshaw and her three best friends who saw her through many romantic partners over the years. Her friends got her through everything, from being broken up with on a post-it note (!!) to being left at the altar. After Big died, she found solace in the arms of her lifelong friends. And now she's (re) discovered love again, but her friends are right by her side through it all.

Real life isn't as idyllic as a 25-minute TV show, but if you've found yourself partner-less like 89 million other single Americans, please remember that leaning into your friendships can bring you meaning, companionship, and joy, and maybe, just maybe - that is enough.