Dime con quién andas, y te diré quién eres: thoughts on friendship

Hey amigas hey! Let's get right into the topic at hand today: amistad. Friendship. We all have different circles of friends, from childhood buddies to college pals, from workplace companions to online comrades. Yet, no matter where we meet them or how long we've known them, every relationship thrives on similar principles. Let's talk about how we can become the best amigas our friends deserve, all while honoring our unique Latina roots.

First things first, there's an old saying in Spanish: "Dime con quién andas, y te diré quién eres." This means, "Tell me who your friends are, and I'll tell you who you are." It's not just about the company we keep, it's about the energy we bring to our friendships and the space we hold for each other.

Empathy & Curiosity vs Judgement & Dismissal

The best amiga isn't the one who always agrees with everything we say. Rather, she's the one who responds with empathy and curiosity. She listens to understand, not to judge or dismiss. But what does this mean, exactly?

Imagine your friend comes to you upset about a situation. The response that comes easiest might be to rush in with a judgment or solution. "That's terrible, you should do X," or "I can't believe you did Y." This is normal—as humans, and especially as Latinas, we want to fix things, to make everything better. But sometimes, what our friends need isn't a quick fix. They need to be heard. They need empathy.

Instead, try saying something like, "Wow, that sounds tough. Can you tell me more about how you're feeling?" By doing this, you're allowing them to explore their feelings and express themselves fully. You're saying, "I see you, I hear you, and your feelings matter to me." That's empathy. That's understanding.

Accepting Differences and Embracing Diversity

As Latinas, we come from a vast tapestry of diverse backgrounds. Even within our own community, there are myriad cultures, languages, and traditions. This richness is something to celebrate, not just within our own community, but in our friendships too.

Acceptance of differences is about more than tolerating what's unfamiliar. It's about embracing the diversity of thoughts, beliefs, and experiences that everyone brings to the table. Our friends' perspectives can challenge our viewpoints, help us grow, and broaden our understanding of the world. They are the ingredients that spice up the friendship soup!

Creating Space for Growth

One of the most beautiful aspects of friendship is watching each other grow. But growth can sometimes be uncomfortable or challenging. Here's where our Latina spirit can truly shine. We are resilient, strong, and deeply supportive. It's in our nature to rally around our loved ones during times of change.

Creating space for growth is about being a safe harbor where your friend can weather the storm. It's about listening when they need to vent, offering a shoulder to lean on, and supporting them as they find their own path forward. Remember, it's not about having all the answers or giving unsolicited advice. It's about being there.

Celebrating Highs & Being There for the Lows

Lastly, friendship isn't a fair-weather endeavor. A good friend rejoices in your victories and stands by your side in your defeats. As Latinas, we know how to throw a great fiesta for the good times, but we're also known for our unwavering support when times are tough.

In the highs, don't hold back your joy and pride for your friends' achievements. Let's raise a glass, dance, and celebrate every milestone together. In the lows, be the comforting presence that says, "I'm here, you're not alone."

In the end, being a good friend isn't about being perfect. It's about being present, showing empathy, and celebrating our friends' uniqueness. It's about nurturing the bond of friendship with care and respect. In doing so, we not only become better friends, but also honor our rich Latina heritage that values community and connection above all else.

Remember, amigas, as we bring these qualities to our friendships, we continue to uplift our Latina community and reinforce the strength and love that defines us. Let's continue to be there for one another and show the world what Latina friendship is all about.

Hasta la próxima, bellas!