The best friendships are the ones that have weathered the storms, stood the test of time and stood where others have fallen. This isn’t to say that new friendships are bad; it’s just that the long-standing friendships go back . . . go way back.

There are a lot of memories tied up in friendships. We all have friends of old (and, for some, old friends, but that’s neither here nor there). You know, the ones who have been by your side (in presence and in spirit) through the good times, the bad times, the silly times, the serious times and everything in between.

As a midlife woman, I cherish the friends in my circle, both old and new, but there’s something about the good old days and the people who can share the reflections on days gone by with you. Longevity. Trust. Commonality. Loyalty. Confidant. Nostalgia. That’s the beauty of enduring friendships — all of these things, and more, are brought to the midlife table.