Do men have buddies that are the male equivalent of girlfriends? If they are very lucky, maybe so. Some men have friends they have known since kindergarten, or at least high school. Some keep in touch with the friends they made in college or the military. Even though they may not see each other for years at a time, when they get together it's like no time has passed. But once those life experiences are behind them, they rarely make new close friends. Women are so lucky! We can bond and form lasting friendships at any stage of our lives. We recognize the value of friendships and the joy of having girlfriends. We are fortunate creatures indeed.

My "oldest" friend - the one I've known the longest - is from 7th grade. Our friendship continued through high school and we roomed together for two years in college. My first husband was a fighter pilot during the Vietnam War. There was a strong bond among all the wives whose husbands lived this larger than life existence. One of them remains my friend to this day. As our children choose their friends, they also choose ours for us. How many of your friends are the mothers of your children's friends, even long after the children have grown and left? We make friends at work, at church, in line at the grocery store. I made a new friend last week while waiting for a table at a restaurant! We exchanged cards that night and emails the following day.I cannot imagine my husband doing that. Will she be one of my BFFs? Maybe - maybe not. Only time will tell.