What Grey’s Anatomy Taught Me About Female Friendship
We all deserve the chance to feel seen
Since childhood, while my classmates were dreaming of ponies, weddings, and things drenched in glitter, I dreamed of lifelong friendships. The kind popular culture feeds young boys and girls like me, looking for a place to fit in and person to confide in. The friend I wished for was the one who was comfortable enough to walk into my home and call my parents Mom and Dad, to which they’d reply fondly, asking if my dream friend wanted to stay for dinner, and she always did. I wanted what Shawn Hunter and Cory Matthews had. In fact, I longed for it and hoped I’d someday be worthy enough to step out of my dream and into a reality where I was platonically loved by someone who wasn’t obligated to love me but chose to anyway. I crave and craved friendships for many of the same reasons I believe other people do. When I think about my closest friends, I know that outside of us having shared interests, I matter enough to them to be missed when I am not around in the same way that I miss them just the same. We choose each other, and the act of being chosen quells the fear of worthlessness. At least, for me.
The first best friend I ever had is named Nicole. When I sat down to write this, I texted her for permission, which she granted excitedly. Nikki knew me at my first worst…
