All of the parents out there know that there are a million things you want your daughter to know. You want her to know how to tie her shoes and ride her bike, know she’s loved, smart, driven and successful, and whether you realize it or not, you want her to know the value of genuine friendship.
Friendship? What about driving a car, saving money, getting an education? Yes, those things are important, but having a genuine go-to vina in her life is what helps her get (and stay) there.
FRIENDSHIP HAS TO GO BOTH WAYS
In order to have a good friend, you’ve got to be a good friend. Listen to your friends talk wholeheartedly, and try your best to give them thoughtful answers, even if they’re asking you where to go dinner for the tenth time.
The more you pour into being a supportive and nurturing friend, the easier it becomes for your friend to give right back.
DON’T BE AFRAID TO LOOK FOR THE RIGHT FRIENDSHIP
On a similar note, a friendship should be mutually beneficial; it should build you up and energize you, not you drain you and leave you feeling down about yourself.
Make sure to find friends who believe in your dreams and love you when you fail – friends who are there to remind you what you’re working for and who you’re aspiring to be.
GOOD FRIENDS = BETTER HEALTH
Studies show that having a group of friends (even better, a group of #girlbosses) can increase your sense of belonging and reduce your stress levels.
Good friends keep you from bad and excessive habits and encourage you to find fulfilling outlets in your life.
THEY’LL BE THERE FOR HER WHEN MOM CAN’T BE
Unfortunately, a parent can never teach their daughter everything they wish they could. You can, however, teach them to find long-lasting and fulfilling friendships.
When she’s away at college and suffering from major heartbreak or receiving a rejection from that big-girl job she really wanted, mom and dad may not be able to be there for her, but her vinas will be there to distract her with Netflix marathons and chocolate.
TECH OFF, FOCUS ON
Even more importantly, keep your vina dates IRL (in real life). Take out the phones for the obligatory food snaps and instas, but then put them away for most of the time and focus on being 100% present. I’m all for the internet (I’ve built my future career around it!) but there comes a time when on-point insta themes mean nothing because you’ve got no vinas to pose with you.
IT’S OKAY TO TAKE ME-TIME, BUT SCHEDULE OUT YOUR GIRLS, TOO.
It’s way too easy to let the chaos of life, family and work over-fill the pages in your agenda. Sometimes, it’s good to take the time to slow down and spend some quality time with yourself – but it’s important to schedule in time for your vinas, whether you feel up to socializing or not.
(Feature image via @allthatisshe)
VINAZINE 