MSN > Women > Relationships

Amazing Girlfriends

By Salma Shayeb

"A friend is someone who sees through you, and still enjoys the view"  Wilma Askinas, Writer

"I always looked at friends as the family we choose."   Joan Lunden, TV Host

When I was told that this month's theme was friendship, I got so excited! Thinking about the meaning of friendship, I have asked some of my friends to share with me their thoughts. Take a look at their answers and try to see if you relate to them.

On what makes a great girlfriend:

"A great girlfriend is someone one who's always there even if we don't talk or meet regularly; someone I deeply trust and love without having to say it." – Radwa

"She knows and understands me very well; I don't usually need to express myself to her." – Mervette

"To cry or talk freely in front of her because she understands." – Noha S.

On when the best friendships are created:

90% of the girls thought it was during school and university years.

The best thing to do with your girlfriends:

50% said their favorite activity with their girlfriends was traveling together; others mentioned…

"Talk, talk, talk, complain, wonder, dream, pray, eat, laugh, travel, cinema…" –Maha G.

"The favorite things we used to do together are gatherings were we shared our thoughts and deep feelings." – Mai

"Spend a day on the beach relaxing, swimming and talking. Or have a cup of coffee in a nearby café." –Maha S.

On the main reason that can break a bond between girlfriends:

Surprise surprise!! 90% said a man and the other answers involved betrayal, jealousy and mistrust.

On whether sharing secrets with a girlfriend that wouldn't be told to your partner: 

99% reported that they would indeed share some secret or another with their girlfriend than with their partner.

"Sure, girlfriends are there to share secrets with, those things you have to get out of your system and cannot share with your partner." – Mai

"Of course! Girls share secrets together more than with their partners." -Amira

"I would share a secret with her and not with my partner if it concerns boys :)" – Mahitab

An Amazing thing that your girlfriend/s did for you:

"When my mother died and all my friends took time off from work or other responsibilities to attend the funeral the next day; especially since it was such short notice." – Eman

"An American friend of mine sent me so many goodies when I was pregnant! (She sent me many) things she thought I might need!! That was so amazing." - Noha A.

"When I did my back operation, they all stood beside me and they used to visit and call me everyday." – Mervette

"On my 22nd birthday, my best friend made me 3 different surprise parties through the day that gathered all the people I love and care about…" – Heidi

Summing up most of the characteristics that makes a good girlfriend from all these responses, they are now boiled down to 7 friends. Which one of these are you?

 
The ChildhoodFriend: She is the one who knows all about your family and your upbringing. You cannot pretend to be someone else in front of her, not even if you wanted to.  She is the one who was your play date most of the time when you were little, or spent your summers together every year. She could have been your neighbor, your classmate, or the daughter of your parent's best friend.

The Positive Vibe: This is the person that first comes to your mind when you are upset. She always welcomes you with a great big hug. No matter how long you haven't been speaking, when you're in trouble, you know you just need to pick-up the phone and she would know how to make things better. She boosts your self-esteem and helps you see the positive side in even the hardest of times. When you hang up, you will always feel better knowing someone understands.

The Traffic Light: This is the person who is so honest that while speaking you can almost see her change colors as to whether she approves or disapproves of the subject.  She is a real friend, never afraid to say what she thinks no matter how hard you might take it. Usually she would have a good ethical point of view and whom you are sure will always care about you. You would go running to her when you are about to make a big decision and need a little support.

The Travel Buddy: One of my favorite characteristics in a friend! This girl is just fun, dependable, and flexible. She wouldn't mind eating exotic food, wouldn't give you a hard time if you decide to spend a bit more over make-up, and will actually share her pillow with you if needed. These friends would stay up all night chitchatting with you over almost any subject and will happily join you when you crave a hearty desert. She is also most to be your shopping companion, and one of the few people you don't mind if they see your credit card bill.

The Secret Keeper: This can be a relative, or a friend. It can even be your real sister.  In any case, this friend might be the most important of all. She is someone you feel so relaxed when she's around, and most of all you never feel judged. She is always forgiving, and would always give you the benefit of the doubt. You would trust this friend with the most embarrassing secrets, and know she will never tell. This friend is the one that comes to mind when you think of the sister you always wished you had.

The Mommy: This is the kind of friend who would give you advise when it comes to family matters. While preparing for your wedding, expecting a baby, or deal with the kids, this person is the one who has been there and shares her experience. She is usually good at giving recipes, recommending doctors, and planning for a party. She is helpful, informative, giving, and most of all she's been there before. 

Friends are the coolest thing ever. It might sound lame, but it is so true. Throughout your life you make different kinds of friends, and so often you lose some friends too.  But most important, you always get to keep the memory.  No matter where you go, or how many changes happen to you in your life, you can always find a way to make a friend or two. 

To me, the most important qualities in a girlfriend would be honesty and forgiveness.  Because when there is honesty, you leave no room for misunderstanding, and you always know this person cares. And because we are human, we are always bound to make mistakes, and when you realize you were wrong, it is always good to find a warm heart that would forgive you silliness.

Now it is obvious that none of these words would've been written without having my beloved friends' support and feedback. Allow me to dedicate this article to every single one of them (it would just be so wrong not to!). To those friends who have given their time to answer my questions and to all other amazing girlfriends (you know who you are I hope!) who keep on making this world a more tolerable place to live in... I love you all!

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