Her Campus Logo Her Campus Logo
Wisconsin | Life > Experiences

More Than Just Gossip and Giggles: The Power of Female Friendship

Kimaya Sharma Student Contributor, University of Wisconsin - Madison
This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Wisconsin chapter and does not reflect the views of Her Campus.

The deeper side of female friendships

People frequently picture brunches, impromptu dance parties and group conversations full of inside jokes when they think of female friendships. Even though these moments are undoubtedly enjoyable, female friendships are much stronger than that. I’ve discovered over the last few years that the strongest friendships I’ve developed are about creating a network of support that can withstand any hardship, not simply gossiping and laughing. 

Before entering relationships with men, these friendships—which are the ones that will endure forever—are extremely necessary. Strong female friendships are crucial to me because they provide me with unconditional love and support, help me stay grounded and foster my personal development. I’ve concentrated on building deep relationships with my closest girlfriends before attempting to navigate any romantic relationships. They have served as both my adventure partners and emotional pillars, and I really value the strong relationships we have developed.

The Taylor Swift concert was one of the most pivotal events in my friendship journey. The shared experience of being with my closest friends, yelling the words to every song and experiencing that unsaid connection was more important than the music or the performance. Not only did the concert itself bring us together, but the entire process of preparing, encouraging one another and experiencing moments of unadulterated happiness and excitement did as well. That night, I came to appreciate how much closer we had grown and how enduring memories are made by the small things, like yelling Taylor Swift lyrics with your closest friends. 

When I dyed my friend’s hair, it was yet another memorable experience. Although it may seem insignificant, it was an act of vulnerability, trust and compassion. We were connecting in a playful yet significant way while I applied the dye and we joked about the possible catastrophes that might happen. I could see how at ease we had grown with one another and how we trusted each other to enjoy both funny and beautiful times. 

The act of turning something as basic as hair into a shared experience was so unique and served as a reminder of the development and maturation of friendships. It was more than simply a straightforward cosmetic task when she trusted me to dye her hair. It represented her trust and vulnerability in me, knowing that I would not only make her look better but also be there to assist her in a personal way. We both understood that, in the end, it wasn’t about perfection but rather about supporting one another through something as simple as a hair makeover and as profound as our relationship. It was a moment of mutual trust. She seemed to be opening up to me about a part of her life that needed comfort and care, which is what true friendship is all about.

I’ve learned from these encounters that friendships between women are more than just jokes and good times. They are based on respect for one another, trust and emotional support. They offer a secure environment where we can be ourselves, develop and work through life’s obstacles as a team. These friendships teach us how to be strong and vulnerable at the same time, how to love and care for others, and how to foster a sense of community in a society that may be lonely at times. 

I’ve discovered that the most satisfying friendships are those in which we encourage and support one another, despite a culture that frequently puts pressure on women to compare or compete with one another. Genuine affection, empathy, and shared experiences are the foundations of these friendships. They are the ones who will endure, who will guide us into the future and who will never leave our side, no matter where life leads us. I’ve discovered that the women who walk with me provide the basis for genuine happiness before I go to males for approval or fulfillment. 

https://www.instagram.com/p/DAUK7kHNrDH/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

One of my greatest life choices has been to form solid, wholesome friendships with women, and I am confident that these are the bonds that will keep me going for years to come. To me, female friendships are about so much more than just gossip and laughter. They are about loyalty, trust, and a strong emotional bond. Life is made richer, more meaningful, and much more fulfilling by these friendships. These strong, enduring friendships with other women are ultimately what remind us that we are never alone, and that they are the ones who genuinely influence who we are and will become.

Kimaya Sharma

Wisconsin '28

My name is Kimaya and I'm a freshman from New Delhi! I am double majoring in Biochemistry and Global Health. Through my studies, I have gained an awareness of both the health issues and the biological mechanics underlying life. My objective is to integrate these fields in a future profession so that I might work in healthcare systems, research, or policymaking and contribute to health innovation.

I like to engage in a variety of social, athletic, and intellectual hobbies in my free time to stay curious and grounded. My life revolves around staying active; I find that going to the gym or participating in sports helps me focus and refuel. I also love  reading a lot, and my interest in both fiction and non-fiction keeps me curious about the world. My other passion is writing, which gives me a creative way to express my ideas and feelings. I love watching movies, whether they're serious and thought provoking like The Matrix, or lighthearted and animated like Toy Story.

I'm really excited to be a part of Her Campus and to be able to share my experiences with other women on campus! As I contribute to a community that is encouraging and uplifting, I'm looking forward to sharing my experiences and learning from others. Through shared experiences and personal development, Her Campus seems like a fantastic chance to build relationships, share ideas, and support the empowerment of other women.