As you go through various phases of life, the nature of friendships and what a friendship has to offer seems to change.  Irrespective of the transitions that you go through friendships will continue to contribute to your emotional and social wellbeing.

The Wonder Years

During adolescence friendships allow you to explore new worlds through each other's experiences. A 20-year-old girl told me how her friend's acceptance of her made her believe in herself and in turn helped her feel accepted and loved.

However as a psychologist I have often seen that as people graduate out of colleges, sometimes closest of friends also drift away.

For Better or for Worse

Immediately after marriage, friendships may seem less important as you spend holidays and weekends with your partner. However over a period, you will adjust to your relationship and friendships can become extremely important for you.

Many women in counselling have told me how if their partner is not fond of a friend, the relationship begins to fizzle. At times, if a best friend has an issue with the guy that she is going to marry, it could affect their friendship.

It's important to spend time with friends and your spouse to understand and learn what your relationship to the other person means and how much you value it.

Your friends can help you unwind while you engage in a recreational activity such as watching a play. You can even go shopping together.

As Sana Mistry a banker mentions, "When I moved to a new house, my friends helped me shop for the new house, took care of my little son and even gave me financial advice."

Old is Gold

Sunita Sehgal, a 50 year old Yoga teacher describes how her female friends have continued to offer her support at various stages of her life. "After my daughter got married, my friends helped me adapt to the change. They helped me remain active and socialise with others," she recalls.

Specifically with the elderly, female friends can be a source of companionship, a means to socialise and even offer practical help.

Women in therapy often speak about how the support of a close female friend has helped them deal either with a divorce or death.

Hold On...

As a psychologist, what I have commonly observed is that although friends are an integral part of a woman's life, there are times when women let go of their friendships too easily.

This usually happens when you go through a change such as when you fall in love or when marital responsibilities increase. But don't be disheartened by this. Once you have settled into your new role, reconnect with friends.

Sustaining close friendships requires respect, warmth, time and most importantly sensitivity and understanding. An intimate relationship can sustain only if both friends are perceptive and open to each other's world.

So go out and meet your best friend… spend time together; discover yourself and grow in your relationship.