Friends in need and friends in deed

GIRLFRIENDS come in all shapes and sizes. The ones from way back, who’ve stuck with you when your taste in men was dire and your fashion sense was the pits.

The ones you don’t see for a year, and they spring back into your life and get what’s going on for you. The ones who’ll pitch you into side-splitting laughter; the ones who’ll hold your hand and say nothing when you just want to cry it all out.

Friendship is about connecting and sharing, says Lisa O’Hara, relationships counsellor with Relationships Ireland. “Women friends can provide a really important resource when emotional needs aren’t being met in an intimate relationship. Women listen, give advice, share your experience - almost as if they’re going through it themselves.