Meet 4 of my closest friends

Watch any popular movie or TV soap, and you'll soon realise we women are supposed to have a circle of close friends that we see regularly, and can tell anything to. We are supposed to shop with them, party with them, and entrust everything to them.

But how many of us actually have those friends in reality? Until recently, I had friends, but not the inner circle I have now. It takes a lot of trust and courage to be able to let people that close. I wish I had done it long ago. it's the best thing I ever did. I have so many wonderful friends. Some I see often, some only online. They are all supportive, and love me for me. I am extremely lucky. I also have a few that I see often, and that know all my secrets. Let me tell you about my inner circle.

Megs.

I first met Megan in about 2005, she was just marrying her partner, Andrew, and was keen to start a family. I had Finn, and she and I bonded over parenting. I always kept a degree of distance, I'm not even sure why. But when my marriage faced imminent breakdown, I let her in and told her everything. She was supportive. She never judged. She just cared. 6 years later, I am godmother to her 4 gorgeous sons, and we have girly best friend dates where we see movies, or share a meal, or go for a walk. We are inseparable, and so alike in so many ways.

Fleur.

I met Fleur a while back, must have been around 2007 ish. We were friends for years, but we never really spent large amounts of time together. That all changed around 18 months ago, when we somehow broke the pattern of a more distant friendship, and became closer. We share secrets, confidences, and let me tell you, you fuck with one of us, you fuck with both of us. I'm protective of Fleur. I can't tell you why, god knows she can fight her own battles. I think she is more sensitive a soul than she lets on sometimes. She's inspiring, and she's a fuckton of fun. And boy can she party. Paloozas would not be paloozas without our Fleurbie!!

Annabel.

Anna I met less than 15 months ago. Now part of the party pack, she is another of my closest friends that I love to see as often as possible. Anna is a sweetheart, I love going out with Anna because she has such a free and happy spirit. She dances with wild abandon, and she has confidence I envy. You need a job done, Anna will get it done. She is loyal, and generous and I am so glad that we became friends!

Christie.

Christie is different. I've only ever seen her face in person once. She lives on the other side of the world, yet her friendship is as important to me as if I saw her daily. In fact, I do, in a way. I email her almost every single day. I tell her every thought, every insecurity, and every achievement. I regard Christie as a teacher of sorts. From her, I have learned to be a stronger woman. I have gained more self confidence, and I have learned about relationships, communication, and happiness from within. She inspires me. And I will continue to nag her to put together a Vegan cook book. Food so good you don't even notice meat missing. So much yum! She is a smart cookie. I'd be a bit lost without her, that's for sure.



I am so grateful for these friendships. But beyond the close intimate ones, I am grateful for the words of support that come from a tweet, an email or a text. That will pick me up with a kind word when I have a bad day. These friends I may not see often, I may not contact daily, but every one of them is valued and treasured. I really feel lucky to have so many wonderful people in my life.