Best of friends

Strong friendships give women an outlet to share their problems, thoughts, feelings and triumphs, and help when setbacks arrive.

- By CAMILLA FOSTER

STRONG BONDS: Female friends support each other through major milestones

FEMALE friendships often involve a deep and meaningful connection, with women frequently coming together to support one another through major life milestones and challenging moments.

Here Dr Vanessa Pilkington, a Doctify-rated psychologist, explores what brings women together and the many physical and mental benefits strong female friendships offer.

Provides emotional support

"Female friendships often involve listening, reflecting, supporting, understanding and giving empathy," reflects Dr Pilkington.

"There's this sort of unspoken rule that 'we'll go for a coffee and I'll listen to your problems for half an hour, and then you'll listen to mine!'

"Whereas, I think with men this emotional support tends to be secondary to activities. They will often meet up to do a competitive sport, and then might have a catch-up afterwards, but are probably less likely to delve straight into talking about their problems.