Positive friendships are a must-have in every woman's life. Friends are there to help you through the tough times, as well as celebrate all life's triumphs — big and small. This year, we encourage you to find these five important friends.
Seek these must-have mom friends in 2013
The pre-baby friend
Having someone who knows you — the you before you became a mom — inside and out is a valuable treasure. She is the one you can turn to when you need to escape from The Mommyhood to talk career, love lives, the hot new guy at the coffee shop or anything but kids during an all-important happy hour excursion while Daddy has some bonding time with Baby.
Don’t lose your non-mom friends when you become a mom>>
If it has been some time since you have touched base with your pre-baby friends, make an effort this year to reconnect. You are a valuable friend to her too, as you can give her all the real ins and outs of motherhood when the time comes for her.
The optimist
Every woman needs a friend in her life that she can call any time of day to spout off about work, the baby crying for three straight hours or the heel that broke off of her favorite pair of stilettos. This friend is always there to listen, lend you a shoulder to cry on and offer encouraging tidbits like, “It will be OK” and “This too shall pass.”
Did you know friends are good for your health? >>
The realist
While your half-glass-full friend is irreplaceable, sometimes you need a devil’s advocate. Enter the realist. This friend will listen to your problems, and then tell you to dry your tears, pull your big-girl panties up and get over it. She’s the friend who can snap you back into reality when you’re hosting a pity party for yourself by reminding you that it’s really not that bad.
The new mom friend
Whether you meet this woman at Lamaze class, Mommy and Me or the first day of your child’s school, a mom friend is a must-have. This friend can commiserate with you about sore nipples and sleepless nights, and understand the excitement and sadness when your “baby” loses his first tooth .
In the market for a mom friend? Scope out the room when you and your child go to social outings like the library story time, and sit next to an approachable woman with a child your child’s age. Strike up conversation at the neighborhood park or at the morning drop-off for preschool. Plan a play date so the kids can interact and you can get to know your new mom friend.
More ways to meet new mom friends>>
The partner in crime
Every mom needs a friend to help her break out of her comfort zone every now and then. This friend will encourage you to try the sexy thigh-high boots you don’t think you could pull off or insists you apply for that amazing new job that just opened up in your company that you don’t think you could ever get.
The partner in crime never pushes you into something you don’t want to do but she does encourage you to do the things you never thought you could do. And she’s there to cheer you on when you succeed!
More on mom friendships
Why all moms need good mom friends
â¨Are your mom friends lame?
Making mom friends at the school yard