The Power of Women’s Friendships: How Connection Supports Mental Wellness

Why Women Need Each Other — Especially Now

There’s something powerful that happens when women sit across from each other — not scrolling, not multitasking, but truly present. We talk. We listen. We hold space. And in that space, something ancient and healing unfolds.

Unlike the shoulder-to-shoulder bonding that often defines male friendships — think bar stools, sports games, or BBQs — women tend to connect face to face. It’s in the eye contact, the shared stories, the laughter that turns into tears and back again. These aren’t just social niceties. They’re lifelines.

Last night I caught up with a friend I hadn’t seen in months. We met for dinner and dropped right into the real stuff. We asked each other the hard questions and answered without fear of judgment. We laughed until we cried, and cried until we laughed again. We motivated each other and called each other out on our sh!t. I left feeling lighter, understood, and loved.

That’s the kind of connection that changes you. It’s not just emotional — it’s physiological.

Research shows that strong female friendships can:

• Reduce stress and anxiety by boosting oxytocin, the hormone linked to bonding and emotional regulation.

• Improve brain health and cognitive function as we age.

• Increase longevity — some studies suggest close friendships can be as impactful as quitting smoking or regular exercise.

• Provide emotional validation and resilience, helping us navigate life’s inevitable ups and downs.

I believe in my core that these relationships are crucial for our mental health, our emotional health, and our overall wellbeing. But I also know that many women don’t get to experience true, healthy, supported friendship. Life gets busy. We prioritize others. We forget to prioritize the connections we need to nurture us outside of our home. And yet, as we move through transitions — kids leaving home, careers shifting, relationships shifting — the need for meaningful friendship only grows. We need spaces where we can say, “I’m not sure where I’m going next,” and hear someone say, “Same.”

So if you’ve been feeling disconnected, you’re not alone. And it’s not too late. Reach out. Make the call. Start the conversation. Because when women gather — even casually, even imperfectly — we remember who we are. And we remind each other that we’re not meant to do this life alone.

Here's to choosing connection,

Vanessa