8 Reasons Every Girl Needs Regular Barkada Time

At my mom’s house with college gal pals Jaymee, Janelle, Tricia, and Allen. Photo by Myra Mortega.

I recently attended a hen party for one of my college gal pals, and the hours of constant hirit, eating, and drinking made me realize how important it is to make time for your friends.

Now, even my best friends will tell you that I’m absolutely horrible about doing that. I’ll confess to being a workaholic and a homebody, so most of the time, I’ll turn down an invitation to have dinner or drinks out, either because I have something to do for work or because I find the location too far out of my way to bother.

I have outstanding IOUs for coffee and lunch dates with too many friends to mention. I’ve made it my goal to make good on them this year, which is why I went to that bachelorette party last week and why I had a morning coffee date with a college professor of mine the week before. Touching base is important, and it’s too often bypassed in favor of conveniences like e-mail, Facebook, and Twitter.

Many of you may have managed to make the same rationalizations I’ve made in the past few years: it’s okay, because I have my husband and my family to fall back on. My friends will understand that I’m busy because they’re busy too. But I’ve come to realize that a life partner and family aren’t enough, and understanding doesn’t make up for what you lose when you don’t make time for your friends.

In the slide show below, I’ve listed 8 benefits of spending time with your friends and strengthening the bond between you by meeting face to face every now and again.

Like this? For more of Liana’s blog entries, go to the "Married without Kids" page, or check out the ones listed here:

• 4 Couples Who Really Inspire Me
• 5 Reasons Sex Gets Better after Marriage
• 10 Kisses to Excite Your Guy With
• 5 Reasons I'm Not Trying to Get Pregnant
• 10 Thank Yous for My Hubby
• My 5 Worst Dates Ever
• 5 Relationship Rules I Wish I Had Known Before I Broke Them

You can also go to the Staff Blogs page to check out stories from more members of the Female Network team.