It seems to me that with the introduction of social media and the advance in technology within the past 10 years, some friendships are easier to maintain, and others are more difficult.

A “like” on a post or picture, or a quick text lets your friend know that you’re thinking of them; but, the long, deep phone conversations or face-to-face visits seem far and few between.

It is rare that you hear about groups of girlfriends having a tight-knit bond like they did years ago. My mom has had the same group of girlfriends for many years. Some she met in kindergarten, some in middle school and some in high school, but regardless, the group has been together for decades. And, while their conversations have evolved from homework, boys and weekend parties to raising their children and working full-time jobs, their friendships are as strong today as they were back then.

While social media “touch points” are fun, I still don’t feel it’s the best way to maintain those real, strong bonds. Having people show up to your room with Cherry Garcia Ben & Jerry’s and a box of tissues when hard times come, are true friends. Having someone in your life who can look into your eyes and ask if you’re okay when she already knows you’re not, is a true friend. Those people, those friends, are the ones who will always have a special place in your life.

And, like my mom, I consider myself extremely lucky to have found those friends.

Sometimes, you almost need to be “smacked in the head” to make you realize how blessed you truly are. Not everybody has friends like I do, friends who have literally picked me up off the floor after I’ve broke down crying. Friends who I have told my deepest secrets to with absolute certainty that they would stay secrets. Friends who have not only helped me through dark times, but also have been there for the bright ones, too. Friends that I go one day without seeing or hearing from, and miss them like crazy.

So, if you are one of the lucky ones, here are 5 reasons why you should be thankful for your girlfriends:

1. Therapy Sessions

No matter what issue you’re facing (bad grades, relationship problems, work, family), your girlfriends are not only there to listen, but also to give you advice. Nobody quite understands you the way your girlfriends do -- not your parents, grandparents, boyfriend, and nobody can make you feel better the way that they can.

2. Nights Out/Nights In

These are the girls you kill the party scene with. You enter a bar, or a fraternity, or even a back parking lot and not a single person is surprised that you’re all together, because at every social event, you roll in squad deep. What makes this group even better is being able to do more than party together. Some people have their "going out" friends and their "staying in friends," but when you’re going out friends are the same friends you stay in, order food and watch Netflix with, that’s when you know it’s real.

3. They Can Relate To You

The hardest part about opening up is making yourself vulnerable, and fearing judgement from whomever it is you’re venting to. However, you never feel judged by these friends, and odds are, at least one of them has gone through something similar. Having people to relate to makes what you’re going through manageable.

4. Sex Talk

Who else are you going to talk about this to? With such a risqué topic of conversation, you need to be able to trust and be comfortable with whom you’re spilling to. Having a group to compare stories with, ask questions, and laugh with, makes what can be an awkward topic an easy one to talk about.

5. Tough Love

Giving you tough love is the best thing a friend can do for you. Your real friends are the ones who will sit you down, and tell it like it is, whether you want to hear it or not. They either tell you that you’re wrong or you have been wronged, and then they will comfort you afterwards. You need friends who will give you the “cold hard truth”, and know that while you may not like it, in the long run you will appreciate it.

So, to my girlfriends… Thank you. Thank you for being the absolute best people to me, for providing me with another family, for blessing me with your friendship, and for showing me the importance of the bond between girlfriends. I wouldn’t be where I am today without the support of each and every one of you, and for that, I owe you.

But most importantly, thank you for providing me with the confidence that you will all be in my life forever, and we will always have the type of friendship that our moms have with their girlfriends. We will always be the ~land of the lit~, and I cannot wait to see what the future brings for us.