Photo Credit: Adria Hughes

A true girlfriend is a rare gem and if you are blessed – you will have a few really really good ones. Let’s face it, not all girlfriends are good … like not all Black folks are Black.

12 years ago, I met Aisha, Syreeta and Jill through work and we slowly became friends.

When I first met them it was my intention not to become too close since we were all working together (why do we do that?) and did not want to co-mingle work and friendship.

I was successful for two years keeping them in a “box” and then we went on a retreat together in the deep woods of West Virginia and I allowed my wall to collapse.

It was then I accepted it was okay to be friends with a future superstar, a budding entrepreneur, and, an Ivy League graduate.

Our friendship has weathered many storms, joys, truths, sorrows, and the ultimate blessing of motherhood. Through it all, we have been there for each other and always promised never to judge.

Black women are guarded and many are taught not to trust; that weekend I put all my business on front street and cried with my girlfriends as they did the same.

We created our vision board that weekend and in a mere matter of years each dream became fulfilled. Last week, we laughed, and said it was time to go on another retreat and create a new vision board and this time to dream gargantuan and raise the bar. This is why I love my girlfriends.

We love our girlfriends because:

1)    They know us better than your mates

2)    It’s okay to be transparent

3)    We can have girlie moments

4)    They don’t pass judgment

5)    A true BFF will want the best for you

6)    Titles and roles are not important

7)    Love is unconditional

Why do you love your girlfriend?