I’ve been very fortunate in my life. I have a mother who is strong and loving and has always been there 100% for me.
I have made relationships with women, significantly older than me women, who became my friends.
The combination of having strong and supportive adults in my life throughout the years has made me who I am. I don’t believe that without the support of women who had more experience than me but who still took me seriously, would I be as confident a person as I am today.
And today is International Women’s Day. It’s got me thinking about all those women who were so significant to me. The women who took the time to befriend a teenager and listen to her and talk to her as if she were a peer. The women who set the example of what I could become. The women who listened to me talk of fears and relationship angst when they could have decided they were too busy.
It reminds me that I want to be that kind of role model. I want to be someone that a young woman can talk to as an adult who is a friend and not a parent; who is a friend and not an employer. I think girls and young women need that in life.
Now – where do I find a young woman to befriend? I’m in the market for a new BFF to gossip and giggle with, and listen to and cry with, and remind them that we all get through the years that are hard and are better for them on the other side.
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Am I younger than you? Can I be your BFF?
Seriously though, you’re right on. I had quite a few of those role models as a young adult and benefited (benefitted?) greatly from their guidance and friendship.
I think it’s very important also. You could try being a big sister at the “Big Brothers and Big Sisters”. They’re always looking for people.
I can imagine a lot of teen girls would benefit enormously from your presence in their lives.
Would we get free babysitting?
A good friend of mine was a Big Sister. Her “Little Sister” came from a messed up home and I really believe she saved this girl’s life. The rest of the family went to hell in a handbasket and, now that she is a young woman, the Little Sister has turned out to be quite well-adjusted.
I think thats a fabulous idea. You’d be a great big sister or mentor!