Going to an all women's college was one of the best decisions of my life. I didn't choose Converse ONLY because it was only women, but it was something that I kept in the back of my mind. Converse College puts an emphasis on sisterhood, to an unbreakable bond that would last far after graduation and you and your friends part way. I think there is something special about female friendships. Sure, male x female and male x male friendships should definitely be appreciated, but there is just a certain companionship between female friends that cannot be found anywhere else, and here's why:
1. Female friends know what you're going through and are the first to step in and help and protect you.
This can range from period problems, (I salute you, random girl in the bathroom who gave me a tampon), to being catcalled during a night out. The knowledge that someone out there is empathetic puts lots of minds at ease. When a girl is faced with harassment, it is normally a woman who steps up in the face of injustice. That's because we know what's been done before, we know what's happened before. We're here for you. We know what it's like to be broke, without a tampon, harassed, etc. We got you.
2. Female friends are the first to tell you to dump their ass, and then sit with you and support you afterwards.
While in a gender normative society, the male friend is the one who never likes their female friend's partner, female friends will sit you down and tell you what you deserve, and its sure as hell not what you have. Female friends see your worth, not what you think you are according to your partner. And if it doesn't work out, then they're the first ones you call with a tear stained face and puffy cheeks, and they're the first to drop everything and come to you, not to go kick your exes ass. Their main priority is you.
3. Females supporting other females is super important, and shouldn't be a competition.
We, as women, are all going through the same struggle in a male dominated world. We are all facing the same trouble, so lift your fellow woman up when she earns what she's worked hard for. If a another woman gets the man or gets the promotion, don't be bitter, congratulate her. You both went through hell, and you both deserved it.
True female friends will not make it a competition. They are there for you every step of the way, celebrate your strengths, and help you work on your weaknesses. We are a team, we are each other #1 fans. It's not a competition to undermine your 'best friend', it's a process of bringing each other up and raising them higher than they ever could be.
4. Affection is rarely sexualized unless wanted.
If women seem to be more emotional than men, then it is only due to our ability to show affection. You know that joke that men can't sleep in the same bed because "no homo"? Yeah, that usually doesn't exist with female friends. The stereotype that women will share anything of theirs - whether it be their bed, their food, their makeup, or their love - is true. Why is affection held back until a romantic partner? Shower your friends with hugs, cuddles, and I love yous. That is what many female friends do, because they want you to know that you're oved and they value you so much. I think the absolute world of my best friends, and when people are genuinely overwhelmed with happiness it is hard to bottle it inside. We have all been in spots where someone has had to spot us some money, food, or makeup. Why not share the love?
5. We are a team.
You protect me, I protect you. We're a squad. We're the biggest cheerleaders in each other's lives. You're my best friends. While your female friends barely see them as a dim light in a sketchy warehouse, you see them as this glittering beam of sunlight that is so bright that only a select few are worthy enough to be in their presence.
So thank you, for allowing me in your presence. Thank you for being my support, my backbone, and the reason I see the world a little bit brighter.
So thanks McKaylia, Blair, Lily, Alex, Tiffani, and Anna. You guys have made my life shine with the glittering light that you all possess.
