Such a privilege being a contributor in the September issue of @ESSENCE! ✨ I so thoroughly enjoyed interviewing @drmarisagfranco on the power of friendship inspired by her new book, “Platonic,” full of advice on making + keeping enriching adult friendships. The last two years have certainly tested the strength of our community. As we re-emerge, many of us are both nourishing familiar relationships with fresh fervor while creating space for new connections that serve our new identities. The subject could not be more timely. I received an outpour of responses - emails, DMs, social replies- while researching this piece, and I read through them all. One thing was overwhelmingly clear: Friendship and “the sisterhood” can be as complex, heartbreaking, and fulfilling as any relationship - and among the most long lasting. I always considered my friends my soulmates. Great loves of my life who have literally kept me alive outside of family with everything from home cooked meals to handwritten letters to deep belly laughter when I needed it most. For Black women especially, the sisterhood at its best is our refuge, our reflection where we can see ourselves in a world that tries its best (but fails) to make us invisible. It’s a container for our own healing. There is no self-love without community care. There is no love like friend love. Thank you to every sista who shared your story with me. Here’s to creating bonds that sustain who we truly are. 🥂✨ My writing has taken many shapes over my career, but print + journalism will always be my first love. Such a full circle moment being on the contributor’s page in ESSENCE for the first time. Thank you @ghostwritervic for giving me this amazing opportunity. Out on newsstands now. Show you friends love and tag them below.✨ #lenorashewrote #wellness #fallissue #friendships