Talking Chic

Every woman needs a girlfriend she can turn to. As I sit here watching “The Real Housewives of New York City” reunion special on Bravo, I’m honestly not shocked by the ladies’ spiteful antics, catty conversations, and combative behavior. This is because I watch the whole housewives series religiously. Entertaining shows? Yes.  A realistic look at what it means to be sincere girlfriends? Not in my book. But this is a so-called reality television show in which these women were specifically chosen to work together by becoming “friends.” So when a situation is forced, it’s only a matter of time before sparks flare.

Watching a group of socialistas shop at the top stores, sip on martinis, and dine at the most lush restaurants, gabbing over who is dating whom, who was wearing what, and who is a part of which charity is a fun pastime of mine. I do wish, however, there were less bickering and more love for one another. I know of many girls who do not have female friends because they say that they can’t trust them, and that backstabbing is too prevalent. I say that’s because you don’t have the right friends.

A more positive spin on what it means to be girlfriends is the infamous “Sex and the City” series (and movies), featuring the heartwarming Carrie, Miranda, Samantha, and Charlotte. When I think about martini-sippin’, couture-shoppin’ girlfriends, my mind immediately goes towards them. Whether they were dining for brunch or sitting on the couch at one another’s place just talking about what is going on in their lives, these characters showed sincerity and compassion. That is what I’m talking ’bout. It puts all of the “real housewives” to shame, when it comes down to it. I understand—different shows, different focuses. But seeing women supporting one another versus talking about one another’s triumphs by putting them down is refreshing.

And I’m proud to say that I’ve come to a point in my life where the friends I have are true gems. My immediate group of friends is co-ed, which includes a few select girlfriends whom I can trust and who allow me to be myself without judgment. Imagine if the show were called “The Real Girlfriends of New York City” . . . . Would we still see the same lifestyle that many of us live vicariously? Hopefully, yes. Who says that bonding over money, a social scene, or fame has to be a negative relationship? “Sex and the City” proves that you can be true friends and share a true love for Christian Louboutin heels at the same time. Now those are my kind of girlfriends. Jill, I think you should take some tips from Carrie: It’s all about love.