Friendship vs Spouse... 7.8.26...

Hey, how's it going, welcome back to In the South.

Guys, I just left book club, and we've been hanging out talking about a book called Kin  by Tayari Jones. The story follows relationships, girls growing up in the South during the Civil Rights era, and how they navigated living very different lives while staying connected through friendship.

It led us into a conversation that really hit me in my core. We started talking about whether our spouses can ever truly fill the role of a female best friend.

My answer was no.

And interestingly enough, every woman in the room agreed.

That doesn't take anything away from marriage. It's just that there's something sacred and different about a friendship with another woman who has walked through seasons of life with you. It's a different kind of comfort.

We also talked about childhood friendships. Some of the women shared that those relationships had ended over the years, and they talked honestly about the grief that came with losing someone who had known them for so long.

As soon as I got in my car, I called one of my best friends.

I just wanted to tell her, "Do you know the value you add to my life? Do you know how deeply I care about you, love you, and love your family?"

I wanted her to know that if anything ever happened to our friendship, I wouldn't just be sad. I would grieve.Because SHE isn't replaceable.

We've lived so much life together. She's seen the versions of me that nobody else remembers. She's celebrated with me, cried with me, carried me, prayed for me, and reminded me who I am and who I desire to be when I'm off track.

I've been married for a long time, and I love JMN. However friendship like that occupies a different place in my heart. It's not a competition, it's an addition.

And I think it's important that we say that out loud.

Do ya'll have a friendship like that?

Maybe it's someone you've known since childhood.

Maybe it's someone you've only known for five or ten years but who has become family.

What value do those friendships hold in your life?

I'd really love to hear your thoughts.

Until next time...

Don't be shy. Let's be social.

-A