Sisterhood Over Shade: The Power of Female Friendships and Women Supporting Women

Amber Tichenor
6 hours ago
6 min read

“Friendship isn’t about who you’ve known the longest. It’s about who walked in, and never left.” — Yolanda Hadid

Over two years ago when I was diagnosed with breast cancer, everything in my world shifted. Fear. Uncertainty. Exhaustion. It was all-consuming, but even through the chaos—my closest girlfriends showed up. Not always physically, but emotionally, fiercely, and without question. Near or far, they didn’t’ hesitate. They sent love and light in the quietest and loudest ways. They texted, called, checked in, and reminded me who I was when I felt like a shadow of myself. There were no expectations, no “let me know if you need anything”—they just knew, and they were there.

This kind of support doesn’t happen by accident, it’s what real sisterhood looks like. It’s not always loud or visible, it’s steady and soul-deep. It’s the result of real-rooted, time-tested friendship—the kind that holds you through the hardest chapters of your life and reminds you that you don’t have to walk through any of it, alone. And in moments like this, it means everything.

“The most sacred friendships aren’t measured by time or proximity—they’re defined by presence, truth, and the women who never let you forget who you are.” — Dr. Amber Tichenor, PhD

Today I’m celebrating my 100th blog! 🎉 A hundred stories, insights, lessons, and hard-earned truths. When I started writing I never imagined how this space would grow. It’s a community focused on female empowerment—built on real talk, resilience, and rising together.

🎉I’m marking this milestone not by looking back, but by leaning into what’s carried me through every single post: the women who walk beside us. Female friendships aren’t just a soft place to land—they’re a powerful force. They shape who we are, who we become, and how we show up in the world. These beautiful, messy, unshakable bonds define what it means to truly be seen, supported, and celebrated. That’s the power of female friendships.

Sisterhood over shade. Although I talk a lot about female rivalry, it’s not just to stir the pot. The real purpose is deeper: it’s to disrupt the cycle, to heal wounds and overcome the undercurrent of competition that too often, keeps women divided. My goal has always been about rising together, because when women root for each other instead of tear down, magic happens. Empowerment doesn’t mean going at it alone—it means recognizing the power of the collective.

“Women’s friendships are like a renewable source of power.” -Jane Fonda

🎉It seems absolutely fitting that my 100th blog aligned with my college-girls-weekend getaway. I always walk away from our time together feeling completely revived and energized. And you know what? There’s scientific proof that spending time with your girlfriends isn’t just a luxury -- it’s a lifeline to essential self-care.

In my book Behind Frenemy Lines, I shared the research that’s too often overlooked: women are biologically, psychologically, and socially wired to connect. It's scientifically proven that quality girl time gives you:

Boosted mood + happy hormones (serotonin + oxytocin)
Lower stress + better sleep
Stronger bonds + less loneliness
Immune support (yes, really!)
A longer, healthier life

💡Women literally need each other! When we’re in healthy, supportive relationships with other women, we don’t just feel better—we thrive. And yet, we’ve been conditioned to compete, compare, and mistrust. That’s exactly why we have to rewrite the narrative—and reclaim the power of sisterhood.

💕I asked my longtime besties to share a few words about the power of female friendships and what women supporting women, means to them. Their insights share a common theme:

“And perhaps, what made a good friend.. Is someone who, has seen your history, seen the glorious, seen the disaster... yet, cheers you on, and shows up in everything. Girlfriends are the wine and gold. The longer they stay, even through time and distance... they are worth more each year. Priceless.”

“Every spring I anticipate my tulips blooming, 🌷 …that anticipation is definitely part of the fun, just like planning our next girls trip…and then once we lay eyes on each other -- we know the crazy fun, wine, food and laughs are about to begin…it’s like all of my flowers flourishing all at once! Everyone is so vibrant, beautiful, and so much fun!”

"My life-long girlfriends are the ones I want to celebrate life with; and the ones I look to when I need comfort and compassion. There’s never a question if they have time for me, or if they’ll answer the call or say ‘yes,’ my life-long girlfriends are my unconditional friends, always there for me, no matter how much time has passed, or wherever in the world I am, or they are. I always wish we had more time together, but I will take any and every minute we can get together - every time I’m with them, they fill my heart full until the next time. These are the friendships I will always prioritize and be grateful for, these are the friendships that bring me joy."

“Long term female friendships root and ground me. When life throws curve balls, my girlfriends and sisters remind me who I am, when I forget or am low. They encourage and strengthen me.I’m so grateful for this long, shared history of love and support!”

“I am so blessed and beyond grateful to have a group of friends whom I’ve known for so many years. These solid, genuine friendship are rare and I know that my circle of friends are my extended family. Shared experiences throughout the years have created an unbreakable bond and the level of comfort, in sharing life together, is everything.”

The sisterhood. As I sit with gratitude about the milestone of reaching 100 blogs, what stands out most isn’t the writing – it’s the sisterhood. Female friendships aren’t always easy or perfect.... They’re about being present.

In that same sense of gratitude, I celebrate you - the women who read, share, reflect, and do the work. I’m honoring the strength it takes to show up for your people and also, the courage it takes to set boundaries or let go of friendships that no longer serve you.

Because true female friendships create something rare: psychological safety. The kind that lets you be vulnerable without judgment. The kind that gives you permission to grow, evolve, and still be fully accepted. These friendships shape our lives—they sharpen us, soften us, and stretch us into who we’re becoming.

✨ 💬 Your Turn: I’d love to hear from you!

What do you value most in your female friendships?
Who’s been there for you in moments that mattered most?
How have these friendships shaped your path, your voice, your growth?

Drop a comment, send a message, or simply take a moment to reach out to your people today. Because sisterhood isn’t just something we celebrate—it’s something we create, together.

Stay tuned for my next update out in two weeks.

♥️Today I will be fearless. Today I am grateful.

P.S. Are you trying to better understand and improve the female dynamics on your team, follow me on LinkedIn to learn more!

#accelerateaction, #PsychologicalSafety, #frenemies, #behindfrenemylines, #changethebehavior, #squadgoals, #empoweringwomen, #sisterhood. #connection

💭 Reflect on Your Own Sisterhood, Questions to Consider:

Who are the women in your life you can truly count on? Have you told them lately how much they mean to you?
What qualities make someone a lasting, meaningful friend in your life? Write down the top three.
Have you ever stayed in a friendship that no longer felt safe or supportive? How did you know it was time to let go—or stay?
How have female friendships shaped your professional journey? Do you let your guard down to make ‘real’ friends at work?
What would your life look like if you fully embraced collaboration over comparison in your relationships with other women? Think of an example where you’ve done that.

The Power of Female Friendships | Dr. Amber Tichenor's 100th Blog Celebration 💖
A few pics from our Willamette Valley, wine-country getaway!