MY GIRLFRIENDS

Today I would like to talk about one very important thing in the life of every woman…her girlfriends. Choose them carefully, listen to them, love them and look after them. Friends are so very important in every woman's life…women need other women in their lives.

I am grateful to all my girlfriends…without them I wouldn`t be who I am today. They are my other self, my support, my consolation, and my inspiration. Girlfriends aren`t just friends, they are like sisters, mothers, and teachers. They will cheer you on, encourage you, console you, advise you, and be there for you when you need them most.

No matter how many thousands of miles you may be apart, friends should always remain close. A friend is never so far away that she can’t be there for you if you need her. With today’s technology…telephones, cell phones, texting, voicemail, email, Facebook, etc., there are so many ways to stay in touch with one another.

I have learned that a true friend can be so valuable and add so much to your life. It is an irreplaceable feeling when you know that you can call her at anytime about anything; that you can rely on her and share both joy and sorrow together.

To find true happiness in life, it's not necessary for great things to come into your life. True happiness doesn`t depend upon the amount of money you have, luxurious summer vacations, fame or material possessions. More than anything, happiness comes from within ourselves and the people with whom we share our lives.

Following is an interesting example from my native country, Serbia. During an international research conference in 2002, it was reported that 43% of Serbian citizens stated they are very satisfied with their lives. This is unusual because of the socio-economic struggling and the political uprising that the Serbian people have sustained during the past 20 years. A possible explanation of that overall happiness seems to be a direct result of the close social relationships which characterize the Serbian culture. The level of national happiness does seem to correlate with the national economic power, but only to a certain extent. Therefore, through research and studies, we now have scientific proof that happiness is not attained through financial success and material possessions, but through the ever-important and lasting interpersonal relationships we form.

While chasing a career, trying to attain financial success, raising our families and taking on so many responsibilities in our daily lives, we often neglect spending time with our girlfriends. That's inadmissible! Happiness hides itself in the quality of close social relationships we develop with family and friends.

In closing, please don`t neglect your girlfriends! As much as you love your boyfriends, husbands, children, and your career, and regardless of all of your day-to-day responsibilities, please make time for your girlfriends. Socialize with them! Remember, they`ll be there for you when you need them most!!!