Читать книгу Counseling the Contemporary Woman - Suzanne Degges-White - Страница 83

With the greater sense of self, young women are more aware of their values, likes, and preferences; therefore, they will choose their friends accordingly. Many earlier relationships from adolescent years may dissolve as women grow into their adult identities and responsibilities. Women also are more invested in choosing friends who fit their sense of self and who reflect the values and interests they have themselves (Degges-White & Borzumato-Gainey, 2011). Although romantic partners are taking up more space in young adult women’s lives, they also still value the emotional support and connections they have with their platonic friends. Literature suggests that young women utilize self-disclosure as a major factor for growth in emotional closeness. Emotional support (e.g., being there for each other) and participation in some shared activities tend to help growing intimacy in friendships as well (Radmacher & Azmitia, 2006). For those young women who are not in a romantic relationship, friendships or having a best friend is predictive of happiness. When in a romantic relationship, friendship importance in happiness might be less pronounced if at all (Demir, 2009).