Am I a Girl’s Girl?
I’ve never felt like a “girl’s girl.”
Growing up, testosterone permeated our home. My Dad raised my older brothers and me in a household low on chit-chat or, god forbid, the sharing of feelings, and high on getting things done. During college, I could not imagine joining a sorority. What would I say to a group of strangers, female strangers?!? Although I’ve always sought close female friendships, I’ve never quite fit in with groups of women. Not being great at female chitty-chatty made feel like I’d be the outsider. Don’t get me wrong, growing up, I developed close friendships that continue today. I cherish my female friendships. And I love spending time with my girlfriends. But the image of myself was never The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants but more Mean Girls and I was not Regina George.
This past year, I took a few girl’s trips with different groups of women. A quick weekend at the beach, then a January day trip to New York City, and recently an annual trip to Colorado. These getaways offer more than just escaping the never-ending to-do list at home. They’re food for the soul.
Laughing until we cry, with the occasional snort, is considered therapy in my book. Morning coffee talk for hours, long afternoon boardwalk strolls, glasses of wine at night (or horrible tasting pickle shots), and donning sheet facemasks taking silly selfies (never not funny), are not luxuries. They are essential.
Planning a girl’s trip or day out doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. A simple day at the beach or a weekend retreat works. It’s not about the WHERE, it’s about the WHO.
Conversations flow, laughter is contagious, and shared experiences turn into lifelong memories—like the time we spent the night in a yurt at 11,000 feet of elevation, while the temperature outside was negative 20. I’m not exaggerating! I have receipts!
Whether it’s a heart-to-heart while cooking dinner or the group playing a game of Headbands, these moments strengthen the bonds that carry us through life’s challenges. And make for entertaining stories when we get together. “Remember when Mary shushed the drunk women next to us, then got into a fight during Moulin Rouge?” “How about the time Franny bribed the bouncer to let us in when someone forgot their I.D.” “When Grace got stuck in the snow driving on the walking path thinking it was the road and we needed to dig out for hours, laughing the entire time.”
Good times!
I’m an introverted extrovert or an outgoing introvert. It’s a thing. Being alone is fine, sometimes I prefer it. I enjoy socializing but need time to recharge afterward. Girl trips help me become the girl’s girl I’ve always wanted to be. I’m empowered by being surrounded by women who uplift and inspire each other.
Maybe I’ve always been a girl’s girl.
Cheers!
Regina
Love this and so true love being in one of the groups so life giving. Love you
Love this and so true love being in one of the groups so life giving. Love you
View lessLove you bday twin!!
Love you bday twin!!
View lessI completely agree, Regina! I have at least one girls trip every year and I “count the sleeps” ahead of time in giddy anticipation.
And yes, SO good for the soul – fills me up. I’m going to share this one with my girlfriends. Thanks!
I completely agree, Regina! I have at least one girls trip every year and I “count the sleeps” ahead of time in giddy anticipation.
View lessAnd yes, SO good for the soul – fills me up. I’m going to share this one with my girlfriends. Thanks!
I could do a girl’s trip monthly! 🙂 Hope all is well Anne!!
I could do a girl’s trip monthly! 🙂 Hope all is well Anne!!
View less