Editors’ Picks: Highlighted Articles for Modern Women in August

We maintained our boosting numbers, and the overall quality of contributions has noticeably improved, with many of you achieving higher view counts and seeking editorial guidance. While personal experiences often create deeper connections with readers, they can also make writing a daunting task. If you're looking for constructive feedback or prompts to enrich your work, don’t hesitate to reach out.

Let’s continue sharing our narratives and making meaningful impacts in each other's lives!

Section 1.1: The Importance of Friendship

We often hear how vital friendship is to our happiness and longevity. From our earliest days, the need for connection has been ingrained in us, influencing our relationships throughout life. Whether romantic or platonic, the bonds we form can significantly shape our experiences.

Women are often seen as more adept at fostering and maintaining these relationships. We’re perceived as empathetic, capable of deep conversations and genuine sharing. Stereotypes suggest we’re naturally nurturing, remembering important dates and checking in on one another, providing unwavering support.

While this may hold some truth as I grow older, it does not encapsulate my early experiences with female friendships. In my youth, I often found girls to be cliquish and unkind. From the Heathers of the '90s to the Mean Girls of more recent years, I faced bullying and rivalries that made forming connections with other women difficult.

Internalized societal pressures can lead women to undermine one another. From harsh criticisms about appearance to shaming one another's choices, women sometimes struggle to be allies.

Yet, there’s the concept of sisterhood.

My first encounter with the supportive environment created by strong women was through the welcoming atmosphere of the Red Tent—a movement inspired by Anita Diamant’s book. It was transformative for many, revealing the depths of support women can offer one another. However, after a year, I began to wonder about its inclusivity. Were women who didn’t resonate with the movement's slightly alternative vibe still welcome? What about those who no longer menstruate or never have?

While talking circles and safe spaces are essential, finding the right ones that align with our life stages is equally important. I have chosen sisters in my life—friends, colleagues, mentors, and acquaintances. I’m curious about your journey with female friendships.

Section 1.2: September's Writing Prompt

The prompt for September is: "Describe the nature of female friendships in your life."

• Are women inherently better at forming friendships than men?
• Does friendship come more naturally to women, and why might that be?
• Does our patriarchal society create competition among women?
• Have you felt welcomed in women-only spaces, and do you believe they are necessary?
• Do we become better friends as we mature, or is that a notion from a bygone era?
• Is the expectation for women to be nurturing and empathetic a hindrance, forcing us into one-dimensional roles in friendships?
• What wisdom would you share with your younger self about friendship?
• Do strong relationships significantly impact our health, contributing to the fact that women often live longer than men?
• Is the meaning of friendship different across genders?
• Lastly, can men and women maintain purely platonic friendships?

To spark your thoughts, here are a few insightful quotes:

“There is something about female friendships that is so pure and special, like a refuge from the world. They nurture the deepest parts of us.” — Candace Bushnell

“Female friendships can be intense. Jealousy, competition, and insecurity can sometimes rear their heads and turn beautiful relationships into battlegrounds.” — Taylor Swift

“Female friendships can be the most fulfilling, but they also require immense patience and vulnerability. Like all relationships, they take work.” — Brene Brown

“There is a myth that women are naturally competitive with each other, but the truth is that society often pits women against each other, creating unnecessary rivalry in friendships.” — Beyoncé

“A strong female friendship can survive anything. The beauty of it is knowing that no matter how bad things get, you will be there for each other.” — Kristen Bell

“Not all friendships are meant to last forever. Some are toxic, draining your energy and spirit without offering anything in return.” — Rupi Kaur

“Friendships between women can sometimes be fraught, but they’re also some of the most honest, hard-earned relationships we’ll ever have.” — Jane Fonda

“It’s painful when you realize you’ve outgrown a friend. What once was a strong bond can turn into a source of discomfort, a reminder of how much you’ve both changed.” — Elizabeth Gilbert

“There’s no substitute for a great friend, especially when the world feels heavy. A female friend is a constant reminder that we are never truly alone.” — Oprah Winfrey

Despite our diverse backgrounds and experiences, women often share a profound bond through our stories. By sharing our narratives, we heal together, provide advice, and bring joy to one another. This connection is invaluable.

Writing is not only about self-expression but also about listening to ourselves. We all seek to be heard, and often this acknowledgment must first come from within. Honor your stories by allowing them to unfold when they are ready. Whether you choose to share them with the Modern Women community or keep them private, the choice is yours.

As always, if you wish to be heard without the pressure of publishing, feel free to leave a note on your work and submit it anyway. I’m here to listen and support you.

At Modern Women, you control how you express yourself and how your voice resonates.

Our collective experiences as women transcend cultural, religious, and geographic divides. Your words are the passports to each other's hearts, and I eagerly await the journeys you will share.

For those new to our monthly prompts, remember they remain open for your inspiration beyond the month of release. Whether you respond to a specific question or the overall theme, we welcome submissions in any style—poetry, prose, fiction, or essays.

Our only request is for authentic, heartfelt stories that might inspire or empower other women.

If you’re responding to a prompt, please tag your submission with ‘prompt’ and include a link to the prompt you’re addressing.

If you’re new to writing for Modern Women, take a moment to review our updated submission guidelines below.

Modern Women Submission Guidelines — New & Revised for 2024

The first video showcases engaging journal prompts for the new year, perfect for monthly reflections and creative page ideas. Watch to discover how journaling can enhance your self-exploration and personal growth.

The second video provides five creative ways to letter the month of September in calligraphy, offering inspiration and techniques that can add a unique touch to your writing projects.