'The Girlfriends Guidebook: Navigating Female Friendships'

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Being the mentoring advocate that I am, I decided to read Marian Jordan's book, The Girlfriends Guide Book: Navigating Female Relationships. We had a few girls e-mail us questions on the topic, and I wanted to expand my vast knowledge and wisdom (sarcasm) to give grounded advice to the young girls of today. Also, I am somewhat of a "kindred spirit" with Marian with my addiction to traveling, and I instantly loved the guidebook-style format. 

What I quickly learned is that this book applies to women of all ages, everywhere. And it also applied multiple times to my own life and friendships. What do you do when friends drift away? Why is it sometimes just easier to be friends with guys? Why do I feel like I do more for my friends than they do for me? If you have struggled with any thoughts similar to these, you need to read this book. 

"While there are ample books for women on dating, career, marriage, and motherhood, less prevalent are thoughtful writings about the everyday handling of female relationships. Inspired by the highs and lows of a backpacking trip across Europe with four gal pals, Marian Jordan's The Girlfriends Guidebook charts a winning pathway through jealousy, competition, control, anger, manipulation, and resentment, just to name a few less-than-cuddly aspects of our personalities."

However, the book does begin with a disclaimer/warning... You should not read it and simply highlight and copy "tips" to send to your friends. You must accept the responsibility to become a better friend. I have to admit that it was hard for specific people to not pop into my mind when reading certain chapters, but the evaluation should start with ourselves. It is always so much easier to see others' faults over our own, but we need to start with taking responsibility for our own relational weaknesses. We must stop living in denial or in vicitimized hurt that so often can take over our lives. As Marian puts it, "None of us are immune to envy, jealousy, and insecurities galore."

  

Author Marian Jordan with two "Redeemed Girls" - For more information, visit redeemedgirl.org or marianjordan.com.The book also includes discussion questions if you would like to use it with a small group or book club. If you don't have a group to share with, let us know what you've learned! As always, if you would like us to answer any specific relationship questions in e-mail or on the podcast, send a text to 252.220.GLAM or e-mail us! 

"As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another." (Proverbs 27:17)