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Last Updated: Jul 2nd, 2008 - 21:15:22 |
(ARA) – How long has it been since you talked to your best friend? A few days? A few weeks? Longer? As important as our friendships are, it can be tough to find the time to nurture them. In a way, that’s what makes special friendships stand out – you can go for a long stretch of time without talking, but then pick up right where you left off. On the other hand, if being with your friends lifts your spirits so much, why not find ways to keep in touch?
In fact, those special friendships could even be good for your health. Past studies done at Harvard Medical School and UCLA found that women who have close friendships are not only happy but healthy. In a recent survey, General Foods International asked women nationwide if they feel that there are health benefits to having close friendships and 61 percent of them said yes.
The survey was commissioned by General Foods International in support of National Women’s Friendship Day, which this year falls on Sunday, Sept. 18. The holiday was established by Kappa Delta Sorority, a national women’s organization dedicated to leadership and community service, all within the context of lifelong friendship.
“We found that no matter how busy a woman’s life can be, she often finds time to reach out to a friend to laugh, cry or just let off a little steam,” says Kristen Manning, brand director for General Foods International beverages.
For example, 81 percent of the women surveyed said their friends allow them to vent, 76 percent said their girlfriends make them laugh, 69 percent are cheered up by their girlfriends, 68 percent said their girlfriends provide an opportunity to talk to an adult and 66 percent said they support them by offering advice.
In honor of National Women’s Friendship Day, and keeping in mind the hectic lives we lead, here are some suggestions on how to keep in touch with those important friends.
* Take advantage of technology – take a tip from your kids and put technology to work for you. If you have a cell phone, you can call a friend while you’re waiting for the kids at soccer practice. If the only time you can communicate is after the kids have gone to bed, but your friend isn’t a night owl, use the wee hours to send her an e-mail. She can answer the next day.
* Make a date – set a get together for the same time every month. For example, agree to have dinner or go to a movie (or both) on the first Saturday of each month. That makes it easy to remember and to put on the calendar for the coming months.
* Bring the kids – turn a play date into a relaxing afternoon. While the kids play, you and your friends can catch up and relax. General Foods International makes it easy with its line of creamy, internationally-inspired flavored hot beverages. It’s a convenient sweet treat with a delicious blend of coffee, tea or vanilla as well as unique flavorings, sweetener and non-dairy creamer.
* Throw a spa party – pamper yourself and your friends with an at home spa party. You can hire a manicurist or a masseuse if you like, or you can give each other manicures. The whole point is to take some time for yourself.
* Take a trip – start a tradition of going away for a weekend with your best friends. It doesn’t have to be far – head to the nearest big city for shopping, or to a nearby area known for good antiquing.
No matter what the activity, keeping in touch has its own rewards.
For more information on National Women’s Friendship Day, go to www.nwfd.kappadelta.org. For more information on General Foods International, visit www.gfic.com.
Courtesy of ARA Content
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