There’s a special kind of magic that happens when women come together—not out of obligation, but from a deep well of love, laughter, and loyalty. Whether rooted in shared history, mutual support, or the simple joy of connection, these friendships become lifelines. In this year’s “Ladies” issue, we’re shining a light on the bonds that build us up: friendships that have endured decades, weathered every season, and remind us all what it means to belong. These stories from Smyrna and Vinings-area women show that sisterhood is more than just companionship—it’s a lifeline, a mirror, a shelter in life's storms.
Forever Friends
Melissa, Andrea, Nikki, Melanie, Jackie, Heather, Tamara & Marishell
Some friendships fade with time. This one? It’s only grown stronger. For over forty years, these eight women have shown up for each other—through every season of life. They began with shared roots, but time brought different paths: motherhood for some, higher degrees for others, shifting beliefs and evolving priorities. But the love? Rock solid.
Their secret? Acceptance. “We don’t need to be the same to be close,” they say. “We just need to show up.” And they do—again and again. Whether it’s sending a meal, showing up for surgery, delivering a hard truth, or texting something ridiculous at 2 a.m., they’re there. They don’t just celebrate the milestones—they show up for the messy middles and the weird Wednesdays too.
One moment captures their spirit perfectly: when one friend lost her mom, instead of sending a tasteful floral arrangement, they gave her a garden stone that read, “My mom died and all I got was this lousy garden stone.” She cackled. Then she cried. Then she hugged them all. Because they knew exactly what she needed—humor, honesty, and to feel seen.
Though scattered across states, they make a point to reunite every year. It’s not easy aligning busy schedules, but it’s non-negotiable. Their dream destination? Somewhere tropical, sure—but really, it’s anywhere they can be together, laughing until they snort and finishing each other’s sentences.
They’ve lived enough life to know: lovers may come and go, kids grow up, jobs shift—but girlfriends? The real ones? They’re forever.
Golden Girls with a Side of Spice
Amie, Holly, Ellen, Aimee & Tammie
For over 25 years, these women have been a constant in each other’s lives—a vibrant, laughter-filled, unbreakable circle. Together, they’ve weathered life’s milestones: weddings, births, divorces, new jobs, and hard goodbyes. “Our group text is the first to send a birthday wish or offer a virtual hug,” they say. “It’s like a heartbeat that keeps us connected.”
They’ve built a rhythm of celebration and support—showing up not just for the big wins, but the small, daily triumphs and challenges. Their calendar includes two to three trips a year, where the real magic happens. Playa del Carmen’s Xcaret Resort was a standout: filled with laughter, dancing, and unexpected celebrity encounters. They floated through caverns and through life—side by side, with margaritas in hand and memories in the making. It was one of those rare trips where friendship felt effortless, timeless, and completely joyful.
Their theme song? Fittingly, it’s The Golden Girls anthem. It started as a joke after a stranger compared them to the beloved sitcom crew during a mountain getaway (to their slight offense—they relate more to Sex and the City). But the lyrics stuck: “Your heart is true, you're a pal and a confidant.”
What keeps them strong is simple: intention. They prioritize birthdays and each other, knowing time is precious. “We don’t need daily check-ins,” they say. “We just need to know the door is always open.” Their advice for other groups? Make birthdays a tradition. Whether it’s dinner, a card, or a girls’ trip—it’s an annual excuse to pour love into one another. And that love, over time, becomes legacy—one filled with friendship, fun, and stories that will last a lifetime.
Kindred Spirits
Melissa, Devyn, Kelly, Kristen, Stacey & Melissa
Some friendships feel like they were always meant to be—even if they didn’t start decades ago. For these six women, the connection was instant—but what they’ve created together is lasting, grounded in trust, belonging, and something undeniably real.
They gather regularly—usually with food, banter, and something to sip—and those evenings have become sacred. It’s more than a break from the chaos; it’s a deep breath. A place to laugh, vent, or cry without judgment. Whether you show up in lashes or leggings, you’re welcome just as you are. And whatever life brings, these are the women you want in your corner.
Each friend brings a different kind of light. One is the thoughtful heart who remembers your kid’s birthday before you do. Another is the calming presence who grounds the group with grace and steadiness. There’s the one whose quick wit lights up any room, and the quiet soul whose words land with depth and wisdom. One offers a spiritual and artistic lens that softens and inspires, while another radiates spontaneity and joy, always reminding the group to say yes to life. They’re different in background and personality, but beautifully aligned in heart.
Over time, they’ve become sounding boards, cheerleaders, truth-tellers, and soft places to land. They’ve helped one another grow into fuller, braver versions of themselves—reminding each other to slow down, speak up, and say yes to things that matter. It’s not about how long you’ve known someone. It’s about how deeply you’re known. And these women? They know each other by heart.
True friendship doesn’t ask for perfection—only presence. These friendships remind us that the most meaningful bonds are often the simplest—showing up consistently, loving without conditions, and creating space to be exactly who we are. In a world that changes fast, sisterhood is the family we choose for ourselves—and the kind of love that lasts.