Who Is In My Tribe?

Today’s challenge for the launch of Girly Gazette asks, “Who is your tribe?”

I can remember many, many years ago when I had a group of girl friends who were just my best friends. There was me, another Amanda, Savannah, a Jennifer or a Jessica, and our Barbies. Through the years, the names changed, the favorite toy changed, and we grew up. We went from arguing about who had what Barbie dress on, to who got the last Popcicle, to who told our crush we liked him. When boys entered the picture, everything changed. We went from being best friends, to being competitors. Those were the days I wish I could revisit, and tell my younger self that competing for the attention of a boy is just useless, and just making for unhealthy relationships. I would tell myself to “Grow up”, and get over the boy drama and focus on what really matters. Of course, what really mattered at that age, was having a solid group of females that could relate and connect to me.

Now that I’m 23, almost 24, a mom and wife, my “tribe” has definitely changed. We no longer chase after boys, or stay up late bopping away to music. Instead, we are talking about poopy diapers, clipping coupons, and swapping recipes. We’ve certainly grown up, and when I look back, I’m so glad that we did!

We have new challenges, and new triumphs to share each and every day, and that’s what makes my tribe so special. I have few “in real life” friends, ones who bring me soup when I’m sick, or go see the latest chick flick together. Most of my friends are the ones I’ve never met, and may never meet. They have been there, done that time and time again. That might seem anti-social to some, but it fits me. It reduces the drama. How, you ask? Well, if I don’t like what they are saying, I can unplug. I can walk away, cool down, and come back when I’m ready. When there’s drama in real life, most of the time you just can’t escape it. It consumes your daily life and makes for some uncomfortable situations. I prefer my Internet girls, who chat away on Twitter, blogs, and forums. They are my tribe.