Remember when you had your first major heartbreak, or when you landed your dream job? What about when you had a death in the family or bought your first car? Chances are, you probably shared some of those moments with your closest girlfriends.

It was your girlfriends who talked you out of buying that orange and green polka dot dress you wanted so badly, or who told you to leave that two-timing boyfriend of yours to find love elsewhere. Whether you’re borrowing a sweater or dishing about your latest romantic conquest, you can count on your girls to let you bend their ear and then dole out sage advice.

Jennifer Simon has five sisters, but when a small tragedy or major triumph happens in her life, she turns to her girlfriends first. “I love all my sisters, but my three best friends really know me better than anyone else.”

Simon, a native of New Orleans, makes it a point to get together with her girlfriends often to make sure they keep up with what’s going on in each other’s lives. These get-togethers always include lots of love, laughs, fattening foods and colorful cocktails.



“Of course the conversation always turns to men and relationships at some point, but we also talk about our careers, families, health and other things going on in the world,” Simon said. “I think the best thing though is that we encourage each other, especially when one of us is in a tough situation.”

Kris Broussard grew up as an only child so when it comes to celebrations or consoling, she turns to her closest friends for support.
“Being an only child made me very independent, so as I grew older, I really had to learn how to lean on other people. I was always so used to relying only on myself,” Broussard said. “Luckily, as an adult I have some of the best friends I could possibly have asked for.”

As a new business owner, Broussard says she not only relies on her girls for fun and hanging out, she also entrusted them with her dream of starting a magazine. “My friends were my biggest source of support when I started my business. Not only did they encourage me, but they rolled up their sleeves and worked for me for free while I got the magazine off the ground. That meant so much to me.”

Whether your girlfriends are there to celebrate your successes or console you during tough times, staying connected to a strong support system is important. Here are some tips for keeping your circle of sisterhood intact:

1. Don't be so tech saavy that you never pick up the phone. A text or an email cannot always convey the love or concern that you feel.

2. Make it a priority to carve out the time to get together no matter how busy you are. Show your sisters how important they are to you by keeping them high on your priority list.

3. Acknowledge those special days. Whether or not she likes to celebrate, make sure that you send a card (and not an e-card!) or give her a call on those important days.

4. Be a good listener. Don't always do the talking. Sometimes it is more important to just listen than to offer up advice.

5. Give out lots and lots of hugs! Studies suggest that hugging can reduce stress, lower blood pressure and and increase heart health. Did you hug a Sister today?

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