Good Morning Texas’ Paige McCoy Smith shares her Girlfriend Goals.
Good Morning Texas’ Paige McCoy Smith shares her Girlfriend Goals.
My marriage was on the verge of collapse before it even started. The issue at hand? My friendships! I’m not talking about his past relationships; I’m referring to MY girlfriends. My husband had a problem with the time I dedicated to my friends and felt resentful towards the importance I placed on those relationships.
I stood firmly by my friends, clinging to the old saying that no man, regardless of his charm or dance moves, should disrupt your friendships. Yet, there comes a moment—typically when at the altar—when that mantra shifts to the vows of “for better or for worse.” Consequently, I found myself calling my friends less frequently. I eased out of lunch plans and turned down invites for movies or gatherings. I reasoned that I shared less in common with my single friends and directed my focus towards nurturing my bond with my newly announced husband. However, the more I attempted to outgrow what I deemed “old friendships,” the more unhappy I felt. Ironically, my mother, of all people, played a pivotal role in turning things around. She spoke with my husband and pointed out, “Paige is like a bumble bee. She thrives by being surrounded by many flowers; stifling her friendships will stifle her spirit.”
While being likened to a bumble bee might seem a bit cheesy, this perspective actually resonated. Today, my husband encourages my friendships and motivates me to keep these precious connections alive. So, I have no justifiable excuse (besides work, kids, laziness, and procrastination). It’s rather sad, especially in this information era. After all, how taxing is it on my fingers to send a quick message to show a friend I care?
I’m ashamed to say that I have relegated maintaining my friendships to the same level as organizing my spice rack on my to-do list. But that stops now! My mother was correct. The reality is that neglecting my girlfriends drains my spirit! Me! The metaphorical bumble bee! I require these relationships, and I hope they find my presence valuable as well.
In fact, I am dedicated to elevating these “Girlfriend Goals”:
CALL
I will grab my phone and use it for its initial purpose—MAKING A PHONE CALL. While a text may be quick and simple, taking a moment to dial someone’s number and engage in a conversation can be incredibly refreshing!
SEND A CARD
Receiving traditional mail has a nostalgic charm. I’m sure many can relate to the thrill of finding a handwritten note in the mail that isn’t a bill. It’s a delightful way to express affection.
GO TO LUNCH
Whether it’s lunch, happy hour, or just a stroll through the park or mall, you manage your schedule for everything from medical appointments to school meetings. Leverage that organization skill to carve out time for your friends!
These three straightforward actions can help me keep my friendships thriving. Speaking of care, a friend recently likened her girlfriends to a vegetable garden: “This year, my tomato plants are flourishing; last year wasn’t as fruitful because I didn’t dedicate enough time to my garden. You see, a garden can’t flourish on its own; it requires attention and care.”
I appreciate analogies that help clarify a point or offer insight. As for me, I’ve run out of witty comparisons. All I know is that valuable things require nurturing to sustain them. This applies to bumble bees, tomato plants, and indeed, friendships.
Until we meet again,
-Paige
PS: Look for me on WFAA Channel 8 Monday through Friday at 9:00 AM!
