It’s Valentine’s Day and I missing my girlfriends.

I want to hang out with them, give them gifts and make memories together. I’d pay good money for hugs from Cath, Lisa, Katie or Jill. I’d welcome the chance to share a meal and conversation with my college girlfriends – Barb, Dana, Laurie, Rhonda or Deana. Laughs and coffee would be the order of the day with Jill and Becky (my Friday morning coffee girlfriends). A long walk would be great with Colleen, Allison and the slightly-slow-walking but always entertaining Nancy. For my Minnesota girlfriends, a lap around Lake Harriet would be awesome with Barb, Kate, Amy, Ann, Terri or Lisa. With Patty or Joan, we’d take in a movie and talk about our picks for Oscars.

For some of my single girlfriends, I so wish I had the money to send you all flowers and cards that express how lovable and wonderful you are – like Lynn, Jill, Tina, Amy, Anne and my sweetheart sister Carol. So, I better mention my other sister(!), Cyndee and how it would be fun to have coffee and then walk as we wanted to do a few weeks ago when the cold temps limited us to coffee and a drive.

And to my beautiful, kind friend Tina who is on a plane to Mumbai right now for a mission trip – my love and prayers are with you. I know you’ll have a phenomenal experience and I can’t wait to hear all about it!

So many of my girlfriends have inspired and supported me on my dream of building Girlfriendology into a vibrant community for women based on female friendship. Thanks to my Advisors who generously share their time and ideas with me – Allison and Krista. To the amazing Jody, Carrie and Jennifer who have their own online communities and so generous share their ideas and connections with me – I couldn’t make it without you! To my girlfriend Penny who has assisted me with our Girlfriendology events and mailings, you have wonderful energy that just draws people to you and I’m so glad I know you!

To the amazing, inspiring women I’ve met in the past year through social media and fun connections – The wonderful women whom I’ve met through the Cincinnati Women Bloggers – Shannan, Laura, Amy, Susan, Kate-the-great, Redkatblonde (aka: Monika), Andi, Robin, Vickie, Julie and Michelle (and more!). To my girlfriends who accompanied me to the Blissdom Conference last week and shared so many ideas with me – Lucrecer and Carole. Also, Joanne, Barbara, Suzanne, Jacinta, Amybeth whom I’ve had the honor of meeting through social media events in Cincinnati. And to Lissa, Julie,Tami, Kelly, Kris Radish (the best dang author of great girlfriend books and super nice person!) and all the other amazing women I’ve met through Twitter and social media – thanks for encouraging and supporting me with your positive energy and generous ideas!

To all of my girlfriends – I wish you a Happy Valentine’s Day!

There is no way I mention all of you, but all of you have made an impact on my life and are the inspiration for Girlfriendology. I am honored to be your friend – to learn from you, to share your life and to hopefully anticipate the chance to spend time together or at least connect in the future. I hope this Valentine’s Day is happy and that you feel loved and as beautiful as you are to me and your girlfriends. Thank YOU for the gift of your friendship. You make me a much better person and definitely a blessed girlfriend.

xoxoxoxoxo – Debba

Please share your girlfriend gratitude below. Valentine’s Day isn’t just about romance, it’s just about LOVE. Spread the LOVE today – and everyday.

Related articles: interview on BlogTalkRadio show with Dr. Karen Gail Lewis on Valentine’s Day and being single, great ideas for celebrating Valentine’s Day and Valentine’s Day gifts for girlfriends.

Image by pillowhead designs via Flickr

Girlfriendology, the online community for women based on girlfriend inspiration, appreciation and celebration (everyday – including Valentine’s Day!) Tech Tags: valentines valentines+day girlfriends friends friendship gratitude