The power of friendship
“Sometimes I feel that society likes to trick us into thinking that we cannot, or have no interest in, getting along, working together, and standing in support of one another.”
Alexandra Elle
Relationships are important. Now more than ever before.
By encouraging those around us, we can set the bar even higher for ourselves.
Examples for inspiration
Ella Fitzgerald and Marilyn Monroe
At a show in Colorado, Marilyn Monroe saw Ella Fitzgerald turned away from the main entrance. She then refused to go inside until both were allowed through the front doors.
Shrinkhala Khatiwada and Maggie Doyne
Nepal’s beauty queen advocate and CNN Hero recently collaborated to provide care and support for workers returning to Nepal.
Taylor Swift and Selena Gomez
“She’s encouraged me when I’ve had nothing to be encouraged about,” Selena Gomez has said about Taylor Swift. The songstresses have supported each other for over a decade.
Maitreyi Ramakrishnan and Mindy Kaling
“You famously auditioned with 15,000 other young women… What stuck out about you was there’s an authenticity about your performance… yours was just completely authentic,” Mindy Kaling gushed.
Basetsana Kumalo and Pearl Thusi
“She gave me my first laptop. Helped me bury my grandmother. Held my hand as I became a mother.” Pearl Thusi’s recognition of Basetsana Kumalo could make you cry.
Meryl Streep and Patricia Arquette
Patty Arquette wins an Oscar, uses her acceptance speech to talk about wage equality, Meryl Streep enthusiastically hollered support.
Ariana Grande and Lady Gaga
“i met a woman who knew pain the same way i did… who cried as much as i did, drank as much wine as i did, ate as much pasta as i did and who’s heart was bigger than her whole body. she immediately felt like a sister to me.” Ariana gushed for Lady Gaga.
Oprah Winfrey and Gayle King
Friends since 1976, this duo continues to defend and cheer each other on. “We have talked about everything and nothing,” says Gayle King. “I’ve been to five therapists…Nobody has been a better therapist than Oprah!”
Britney Spears and Miley Cyrus
Since 2009, Britney Spears and Miley Cyrus have exchanged consistent praise.
Gloria Steinem and Marlo Thomas
The story of the first meeting between Gloria Steinem and Marlo Thomas is legendary, and their fierce friendship has remained powerful and strong ever since.
Helen Keller and Ann Sullivan
Helen Keller was 19 months old when she lost her eyesight and hearing. 20-year-old Ann Sullivan became her teacher. The rest is history.
Tracee Ellis Ross and Samira Nasr
“…she is not a shapeshifter, changing her point of view with the times, but has a clarity and continuity of vision built from life experience, impeccable taste, a hunger for knowledge, and a love of people,” says Tracee Ellis Ross of friend Samira Nasr.
Martina Navratilova and Chris Evert
From sports rivals to supportive allies, Martina Navratilova and Chris Evert built mutual admiration through sport and have shared commendable leadership, grace, and friendship.
Tina Fey and Amy Poehler
“Weirdly, I remember thinking, ‘My friend is here! My friend is here!’ Even though things had been going great for me at the show, with Amy there, I felt less alone.” Tina Fey’s friendship with Amy Poehler is one for the books.
Women in U.K. Parliament and Meghan Markle
“We share an understanding of the abuse and intimidation which is now so often used as a means of disparaging women from getting on with our very important work.” Women of U.K. Parliament issued a strong statement in support of Meghan Markle.
Lucille Ball and Carol Burnett
“She said, ‘Kid, if you ever need me for anything, give me a call.'” Lucille Ball helped Carol Burnett break into the industry.
Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton
These two powerhouses united to campaign for women’s rights, combining Stanton’s speech writing prowess and Anthony’s vocal platform.
Jennifer Aniston and Courteney Cox
The hashtag should suffice: #WomenSupportingWomen.
Eleanor Roosevelt and Pauli Murray
Eleanor Roosevelt and Pauli Murray exchanged hundreds of letters throughout their friendship, uniting over debate and civic cause. Roosevelt notably wrote about her “firebrand” friend in the Feb 1953 issue of Ebony, years before the Civil Rights Movement.
Beyonce and Michelle Obama
“Every time I see her, she inspires me, she empowers me, she encourages me,” says Beyonce of Michelle Obama.
Nicole Kidman and Naomi Watts
The friendship between Nicole Kidman and Naomi Watts spans ALMOST 40 YEARS. Talk about #goals.
Have examples of your own? Tweet me @redheadlefthand.