Our friendships are some of the most intimate and healing relationships we can have. Our friends love us, support us, understand us, and help heal us. In my seasons of loss and grief, it’s my friends who hugged me tight, forced me to laugh, and cracked open my heart with their own vulnerability.Still, and knowing all of this, the deeper we get into our careers, families, and daily lives, we find ourselves neglecting those very friendships, or at the very least taking them for granted. Toggling calendars to get a girls' night on the books, rescheduling a coffee date for the third time, and “meaning to call” a friend that’s been on our mind for weeks. It’s one of the struggles of being grown.The Self Love Letter Love, Maaden is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.Our little one, by comparison, has flourishing “friendships” that sprout up almost weekly on the playground or in the classroom. But maintaining meaningful connections—or harder still forging new ones—as adults requires a different level of intentionality. One that doesn’t come so easily. They say that cultivating friendships is like tending to a garden, that it requires our attention and care in order to bloom. Lord knows from my trail of dried up and decrepit houseplants that this far from effortless for some, but it’s possible and more than worth it.Our adult friendships, whether they are with our “day ones” or with someone new, are a reminder that we're not alone in this journey. And the one thing we can’t afford to be as we grow older, is alone. We need the ones who cheer us on when we're winning and lift us up when we're down. The ones who know our quirks, our dreams, and our fears, and love us anyway. The comforters, the co-conspirators, and the crazies that we can't live without. Whether it's grabbing coffee, hopping on a call, or making time for a girlfriends' getaway, we have to do what we have to do to keep our friendships going.So here's to friendships as adults—to the commute chats, the late night and early morning texts, the weekend adventures, and the shared memories that make life a little easier and a little sweeter. Because in the end, it's the people we share it with that make the journey worthwhile.xo, m.A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity. — Proverbs 17:17 (NIV)The proverb says that a true friend will love and support us whether we’re up or down. And even more so in times of adversity, elevating themselves from friend to brother (or, in my case, sister).I’ve heard many an elder say that tough times will show you who your true friends are. I used to interpret this as meaning that those who disappear during difficult times were never real friends to begin with. However, with maturity, I understand that not everyone can walk with us into every season, and I'm okay with that. What I now take away from their wisdom, and also see in this scripture is that my closest friends— those that don’t just show up but lean in when life gets messy, scary or dark— are my also my sisters. I am so grateful to have a sister who is also a friend, and friends who have become sisters.I love a theme, so in keeping with the theme of friendship, I want to highlight some gifts that I am loving in my shop, Love Goods Co., which were created to promote connection, friendship and sisterhood. * The Friendship Connection Box is perfect for a girls night-in with a 40 card deck of prompts and practices to cultivate connection, plus a refreshing citrus + sugar scented candle, delicious herbal tea and sweet treats to share.* The Bestie Box is limited edition gift box designed for Galentine’s Day but also just a sweet gift to remind your bestie that she’s loved. It comes with a hibsicus tea, jasmine shower steamer (that smells SO good), a pink champagne lip scrub + balm duo, and a light & feminine scented candle.* The Friendship Connection Deck is a 40 card deck that leads you and a friend through a shared practice of insight, empathy and connection through love. Buy it and keep it on your coffee table for the next time you have a friend by to visit.Because you’re a friend of the Love, Maaden community, I'm offering a discount with code FRIEND for 15% off any of this week’s friendship faves! Shop lovegoodsco.com 💛Do something simple this week and phone a friend. Let them know you appreciate them, and if you can, make plans to get togther soon. The Self Love Letter Love, Maaden is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit lovemaaden.substack.com/subscribe
