Girls gone wild

To understand the role of female friendships, look to the wild, where long-lasting relationships between female animals is the basis for social life.

Female elephants keep in touch through low pitched rumbles similar to cellphones; lionesses suckle each other’s cubs; monkeys groom their besties; and chimpanzees utilize the buddy system when foraging.

Female animals even have best friends, with three being the optimal number. This provides stable relations that reduce stress, especially when it comes to dealing with dominant males.

Take cues from the real jungle-hanging with girlfriends and hang with your “wing-women.” Familiar friendships reduce cortisol challenges, and less stress lengthens life.

– Betsie Gambel, Gambel Communications