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Lady and the Tribe
Wives, mothers and career women - we have all fallen victim to the silent epidemic that is, literally . . . letting ourselves go. Not the weight-gain, makeup-free, yoga-pants routine. Little by little, we have allowed our preferences, interests, and individuality to slip away until we no longer recognize ourselves outside of our role as wives, mothers, or professionals. Who we are has become what we do.
In the process, our friendships have become the casualty of a “busy life” and lack consistency and depth. We have a gaping hole inside us that longs to be filled. How do we reclaim who we really are and fill this empty space that seemed to appear from nowhere?
The answer lies in our Tribe. Our best friends see us more clearly than we see ourselves and are representations and extensions of our individuality. They are our companions, cheerleaders, and counselors—always in our corner. They are the branches of our tree of life that lift and support us, so we can flourish. Our Tribe is the family with whom we choose to live our life . . . with no strings attached.
Lady and the Tribe is a blueprint for building deep connections. As you read, you’ll be swept away on a journey of friendship as the author shares her own personal stories and those of other women. In the process, you’ll discover how to find, nurture, and deepen friendships and create a Tribe culture that is unique to you.
We can become whole again through the power of connection.
When three or more gather, we are Tribe.
In the process, our friendships have become the casualty of a “busy life” and lack consistency and depth. We have a gaping hole inside us that longs to be filled. How do we reclaim who we really are and fill this empty space that seemed to appear from nowhere?
The answer lies in our Tribe. Our best friends see us more clearly than we see ourselves and are representations and extensions of our individuality. They are our companions, cheerleaders, and counselors—always in our corner. They are the branches of our tree of life that lift and support us, so we can flourish. Our Tribe is the family with whom we choose to live our life . . . with no strings attached.
Lady and the Tribe is a blueprint for building deep connections. As you read, you’ll be swept away on a journey of friendship as the author shares her own personal stories and those of other women. In the process, you’ll discover how to find, nurture, and deepen friendships and create a Tribe culture that is unique to you.
We can become whole again through the power of connection.
When three or more gather, we are Tribe.
276 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 8, 2021
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
December 30, 2021
This book reminded me a great deal of Barbara Ehrenreich's DANCING IN THE STREETS, a work of nonfiction that highlighted our very human need for social connection. The author describes the difference between deep, life-sustaining friendships and those transitory and shallow friendships that come about through social media. I really liked how she lays out a process for finding and creating circles of friendship--and doing so intentionally. She identifies the qualities to look for in a friend, and she imagines that we might need different sorts of friends, from those we exercise with, to wise women with more experience, to truth-tellers who don't put up with our self-deceptions. Indeed, one might very well save the cost of hiring a therapist by following the suggestions in this book. Especially valuable are the reminders that friendship requires a regular investment of time on our part. The author's practical insights into how to schedule this into our overly busy lives was especially welcome.
January 6, 2022
Review for Lady and the Tribe by Brenda Billings Ridgley
I don't usually gravitate to self-help books, but probably because of all the negative changes to social interaction that Covid has brought, not to mention the unprecedented, horrible weather the West Coast of Canada has experienced through 2021, Brenda Billings Ridgley's book caught my eye. Maybe, I thought, I might pick up some tips that might help us through this time. I could share them with family and friends who seem to be getting tired of the restrictions. Depressingly so. Lady and The Tribe didn't disappoint. Brenda gives us it all. Nothing is left out. She tackles tribe building and living the life of our dreams with great enthusiasm and conviction. I particularly enjoyed her personal examples, the interactive assignments, directions for journaling, and the recipes for building a tribe. Her personal survey drew it all together. The book is well written. Its format is orderly--easy to follow. It's believable. Michelle Eileen's forward made my heart sing. "Spirit Bird--The Will to The Wind," is exquisite. Now, I must go back and do the assignments, follow the recipes, and work on making my life better. Thank you, Brenda, for the motivation. No more, "Let the oars go altogether and let the momentum take me to my best life." Marlene Cheng author
I don't usually gravitate to self-help books, but probably because of all the negative changes to social interaction that Covid has brought, not to mention the unprecedented, horrible weather the West Coast of Canada has experienced through 2021, Brenda Billings Ridgley's book caught my eye. Maybe, I thought, I might pick up some tips that might help us through this time. I could share them with family and friends who seem to be getting tired of the restrictions. Depressingly so. Lady and The Tribe didn't disappoint. Brenda gives us it all. Nothing is left out. She tackles tribe building and living the life of our dreams with great enthusiasm and conviction. I particularly enjoyed her personal examples, the interactive assignments, directions for journaling, and the recipes for building a tribe. Her personal survey drew it all together. The book is well written. Its format is orderly--easy to follow. It's believable. Michelle Eileen's forward made my heart sing. "Spirit Bird--The Will to The Wind," is exquisite. Now, I must go back and do the assignments, follow the recipes, and work on making my life better. Thank you, Brenda, for the motivation. No more, "Let the oars go altogether and let the momentum take me to my best life." Marlene Cheng author
January 22, 2022
As an introvert, this book made me question the efforts I put into those that surround me.
Good, nourishing and healthy friendships are closely linked to our life experiences and emotions. Real human connection in many ways is similar to food. We can get by with very little of it but to have a satisfied life we need to be filled to comfort.
I think this book should be real by all woman because its highly insightful and I can near guarantee you will have moments were it will connect with you in one way or another.
Good, nourishing and healthy friendships are closely linked to our life experiences and emotions. Real human connection in many ways is similar to food. We can get by with very little of it but to have a satisfied life we need to be filled to comfort.
I think this book should be real by all woman because its highly insightful and I can near guarantee you will have moments were it will connect with you in one way or another.
February 25, 2022
A how-to on establishing meaningful friendships with intentionality
Though written for women, the premise of Lady and the Tribe by Brenda Billings Ridgley called out to me. I have a full life, yet for many years now I haven’t connected with friends, much less showed a vulnerable side to them. I used to have lots of good buddies, a lot of them drinking buddies. One old neighborhood friend used to call me on the phone every day when I was a junior in college. I always thought that was touching; it’s so hard to fathom now.
Ridgley begins her book by relating the well-documented health issues that stem from loneliness, which is depressing. Beyond that, many of us undoubtedly live in focused silos, whether personal ones, work-focused ones, or ones that are centered almost solely on kids and spouses. You would think social media would ease this widespread solitude, but the author makes a good point that it can actually exacerbate it. Outside of social media, I’ve witnessed on a personal level and in a secondhand way how many people cancel plans these days over any little excuse. It’s a tad disconcerting, almost as if they don’t really want to meet up.
I like how Ridgley opens up about her life. She certainly hasn’t been Miss Social every waking hour of every day and has experienced traumas as well as long separations from her friends, like most of us. She talks about her sister, which I thought was sweet, and about a harrowing experience during one of her pregnancies. I wasn’t all that captivated by most of the stories from women that she included—my eyes sort of glazed over these parts—but some readers might like these interludes.
Ridgley’s prose is often annoyingly bubbly with too many exclamation points, but at the same time she offers lots of profound thoughts and backs up her points with solid research, some of it conducted on her own. She describes her circle of friends as Tribes, and I found it fun to read all the synonyms for the word “friends” in the book, at least one of them coined by the author: friendlies, frenemies, soul sisters, besties, BFFs, peeps, and gal-pals.
The author’s knowledge of and dedication toward establishing genuine relationships is impressive, as is her enthusiasm. Many readers may not want to go to the lengths she recommends to establish such heartfelt group relationships, but even if you only do some of what’s recommended in the book you’ll have success connecting with others. According to Ridgley, “Drops in your friendship drip system are meaningful ways to build a Tribal foundation of support and validation.”
She also branches out in parts of the book to give solid advice, recommendations such as living with intentionality, writing down and envisioning goals, and not feeling guilty for putting ourselves first at times. Perhaps most profoundly, Ridgley ends things by relating how the extension of people’s important friendships can go beyond only that, as she imagines a society enhanced by individuals who are connected by “a handful of impenetrable relationships.”
Though this read conveyed way more about friendships than I wanted to know about or strive toward, I respect the author’s passion and goodwill. Her heart and mind are in a good place, probably because she has lots of lasting, meaningful friends. As she notes in the book, it’s hard to meet friends organically as you get older. Lady and the Tribe offers heartfelt advice that may help and inspire people to at least make the effort.
Though written for women, the premise of Lady and the Tribe by Brenda Billings Ridgley called out to me. I have a full life, yet for many years now I haven’t connected with friends, much less showed a vulnerable side to them. I used to have lots of good buddies, a lot of them drinking buddies. One old neighborhood friend used to call me on the phone every day when I was a junior in college. I always thought that was touching; it’s so hard to fathom now.
Ridgley begins her book by relating the well-documented health issues that stem from loneliness, which is depressing. Beyond that, many of us undoubtedly live in focused silos, whether personal ones, work-focused ones, or ones that are centered almost solely on kids and spouses. You would think social media would ease this widespread solitude, but the author makes a good point that it can actually exacerbate it. Outside of social media, I’ve witnessed on a personal level and in a secondhand way how many people cancel plans these days over any little excuse. It’s a tad disconcerting, almost as if they don’t really want to meet up.
I like how Ridgley opens up about her life. She certainly hasn’t been Miss Social every waking hour of every day and has experienced traumas as well as long separations from her friends, like most of us. She talks about her sister, which I thought was sweet, and about a harrowing experience during one of her pregnancies. I wasn’t all that captivated by most of the stories from women that she included—my eyes sort of glazed over these parts—but some readers might like these interludes.
Ridgley’s prose is often annoyingly bubbly with too many exclamation points, but at the same time she offers lots of profound thoughts and backs up her points with solid research, some of it conducted on her own. She describes her circle of friends as Tribes, and I found it fun to read all the synonyms for the word “friends” in the book, at least one of them coined by the author: friendlies, frenemies, soul sisters, besties, BFFs, peeps, and gal-pals.
The author’s knowledge of and dedication toward establishing genuine relationships is impressive, as is her enthusiasm. Many readers may not want to go to the lengths she recommends to establish such heartfelt group relationships, but even if you only do some of what’s recommended in the book you’ll have success connecting with others. According to Ridgley, “Drops in your friendship drip system are meaningful ways to build a Tribal foundation of support and validation.”
She also branches out in parts of the book to give solid advice, recommendations such as living with intentionality, writing down and envisioning goals, and not feeling guilty for putting ourselves first at times. Perhaps most profoundly, Ridgley ends things by relating how the extension of people’s important friendships can go beyond only that, as she imagines a society enhanced by individuals who are connected by “a handful of impenetrable relationships.”
Though this read conveyed way more about friendships than I wanted to know about or strive toward, I respect the author’s passion and goodwill. Her heart and mind are in a good place, probably because she has lots of lasting, meaningful friends. As she notes in the book, it’s hard to meet friends organically as you get older. Lady and the Tribe offers heartfelt advice that may help and inspire people to at least make the effort.
August 20, 2023
A Deep Analysis on Friendship
This easy to read, well written book takes the reader on a deep-sea dive into the ocean of friendship, the focus being on women’s relationships. Types of friendships were categorized by their characteristics and needs, including those falling into sorts such as seasonal, those of convenience, those with deep connections, those we could do without, etc. The analysis continued from there, describing examples and pros and cons, and more importantly, the why and how to recognize those friendships that should/could be deepened. The concept surrounding the value to invest in time to build relationships rather than simply spend the time, all for the purpose of adding considerable richness to one’s life.
The part I liked the most from this book were the formulas for different friendship categories, they were simple and made sense. I found myself relating each formula to the different sets of friends I have myself. As well, the author provided many noteworthy quotes.
The author must have done considerable research and invested her own time to produce this informative book. I believe it is a worthy read for all women, even if they choose to breeze through the examples and focus on the findings and formulas.
This easy to read, well written book takes the reader on a deep-sea dive into the ocean of friendship, the focus being on women’s relationships. Types of friendships were categorized by their characteristics and needs, including those falling into sorts such as seasonal, those of convenience, those with deep connections, those we could do without, etc. The analysis continued from there, describing examples and pros and cons, and more importantly, the why and how to recognize those friendships that should/could be deepened. The concept surrounding the value to invest in time to build relationships rather than simply spend the time, all for the purpose of adding considerable richness to one’s life.
The part I liked the most from this book were the formulas for different friendship categories, they were simple and made sense. I found myself relating each formula to the different sets of friends I have myself. As well, the author provided many noteworthy quotes.
The author must have done considerable research and invested her own time to produce this informative book. I believe it is a worthy read for all women, even if they choose to breeze through the examples and focus on the findings and formulas.
November 17, 2021
I found Lady and the Tribe to be entertaining as well as educational. The friendship stories were interesting and real. I found myself laughing, crying and even had an ah-ha moment or two! I am inspired to reach out to a few important friends that I have not seen for awhile to reconnect. Lady and the Tribe is a must read for any woman who values friendships. I am going to encourage my book club to read it together.
January 6, 2022
Lady and the Tribe is a really interesting look into female friendships and relationships. It was full of great examples of the different types of friendships we experience through our lives and the author drew a lot from her own experiences which I thought was excellent. I picked this book up by chance, but it turns out it was something I didn’t know I needed!
Lady and the Tribe is full of great nuggets of information on how to make and maintain true friendships, as well as warnings about which friendship types to avoid. The journaling portions were very useful too, and I found the parts that delved into psychology fascinating while being explained at an easy to understand level for a complete beginner in the topic, such as myself.
The book made me think hard about my current friendships and relationships, and which ones I need to work on, and which I ought to let go.
What I liked the most, was the constant message that there is no ‘right’ way to do things, but that the information in the book was there to help to guide you to be your own friendship tribe leader.
Lady and the Tribe is full of great nuggets of information on how to make and maintain true friendships, as well as warnings about which friendship types to avoid. The journaling portions were very useful too, and I found the parts that delved into psychology fascinating while being explained at an easy to understand level for a complete beginner in the topic, such as myself.
The book made me think hard about my current friendships and relationships, and which ones I need to work on, and which I ought to let go.
What I liked the most, was the constant message that there is no ‘right’ way to do things, but that the information in the book was there to help to guide you to be your own friendship tribe leader.
October 7, 2021
I think it’s easy for women to ‘lose themselves’ in their lives. Lady and the Tribe helps you reflect on the importance of friendships and offers great strategies on how to nurture those friendships and 'make it happen'. Lady and the Tribe is a good read for any age.
October 7, 2021
I think it’s easy for women to ‘lose themselves’ in their lives. Lady and the Tribe helps you reflect on the importance of friendships and offers great strategies on how to nurture those friendships and 'make it happen'. Lady and the Tribe is a good read for any age.
December 13, 2021
Thank you Goodreads for the free copy of Lady and the Tribe. I quite enjoyed this book about women and friendships. It was a good mix of data, Brenda's personal friendships as well as other women's stories. Ive read a few books on this subject and I enjoyed Brenda's take on it. While reading the parts about different types of friendships I had a few a-ha moments. Friendships that just didn't take off that I wondered why were explained. If you are interesting in deepening your friendships or making new ones definitely add this to the good ol' tbr list.
December 6, 2021
I won this book from Goodreads giveaway.
It's well written and well edited. A timely look at women and our relationships with others. I am planning to read it again next year to check my progress on building my tribe.
It's well written and well edited. A timely look at women and our relationships with others. I am planning to read it again next year to check my progress on building my tribe.
December 16, 2021
I really enjoyed this book that talked about the power of close friendships--your tribe. For me, it was a powerful reminder that those powerful friendships take work, and it's important for us to make time for those close to us--or for those we want to forge a connection with. The stories within the book were heartwarming, but also showed that while friendships could fall off for a season, your tribe will always be there for you.
November 26, 2021
I’ve just moved to the other side of the country and left all my friends and family behind. So when I saw this book pop up for review, I grabbed it since I’d love to have a new “tribe” of women friends here where I live now.
I honestly wasn’t sure exactly what to expect from this book, but I really did enjoy it. It started out a little slowly, with quite a bit of citing of studies that showed how much women need friendship and support, etc., but stick it out because it’s worth it. The author shares about her own journey and how she came to know who was in “her” tribe and whose tribes she was part of. It was interesting to see the different descriptions of the types of people you are friends with and it all made sense as I read. It made me realize that there are, in fact, friends for a season (or a reason) and we shouldn’t feel badly if we lose touch with those. And it made me recognize the few women I’ve become such good friends with that years and distance don’t matter.
My only actual criticism of this book was that, well… I’m a “doer” and a maker of lists and very type A, and I wanted more instructions on HOW to build my tribe. LOL! I was so excited at the one time she actually made a list of questions that I could write down and answer, which I did diligently and thoroughly. And when that was done, I had my journal ready for more. And it didn’t happen. (Aside to the author: maybe a workbook would be in order for people like me?)
Those of you who live a little less rigidly than I and maybe don’t love routine and to-do lists in the same passion as I do, who prefer reading others’ experiences as an illustration of how to do something should absolutely enjoy this book. And I can whole-heartedly recommend it.
I honestly wasn’t sure exactly what to expect from this book, but I really did enjoy it. It started out a little slowly, with quite a bit of citing of studies that showed how much women need friendship and support, etc., but stick it out because it’s worth it. The author shares about her own journey and how she came to know who was in “her” tribe and whose tribes she was part of. It was interesting to see the different descriptions of the types of people you are friends with and it all made sense as I read. It made me realize that there are, in fact, friends for a season (or a reason) and we shouldn’t feel badly if we lose touch with those. And it made me recognize the few women I’ve become such good friends with that years and distance don’t matter.
My only actual criticism of this book was that, well… I’m a “doer” and a maker of lists and very type A, and I wanted more instructions on HOW to build my tribe. LOL! I was so excited at the one time she actually made a list of questions that I could write down and answer, which I did diligently and thoroughly. And when that was done, I had my journal ready for more. And it didn’t happen. (Aside to the author: maybe a workbook would be in order for people like me?)
Those of you who live a little less rigidly than I and maybe don’t love routine and to-do lists in the same passion as I do, who prefer reading others’ experiences as an illustration of how to do something should absolutely enjoy this book. And I can whole-heartedly recommend it.
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November 15, 2021Blue Ink Editorial Review: Lady and the Tribe: How to Create Empowering Friendship Circles
Brenda Billings Ridgley
Whole You Media, 276 pages, (paperback) $16.95, 978-1737289708
(Reviewed: November, 2021)
In Lady and the Tribe, Brenda Billings Ridgley celebrates the power of female friendships,
sharing insights into the ways they enrich women’s lives and offering strategies for creating,
strengthening, and enjoying these relationships to the fullest.
Ridgley explores the roots of loneliness in today’s times and the impact of social media, while
also sharing stories from her life and others to illustrate personal growth as friendships deepen.
Her narrative addresses the distinct types and levels of women’s relationships with one another,
including toxic ones.
“The Friendship Target” is at the heart of her philosophy. Imagine a center circle titled “You” with
five concentric circles around it. The closer the circle to “You,” the deeper the relationship and
the smaller the number of people included. From the center out, she labels the circles as: Tribe
(”closest to heart-center relationships”); Soul Sisters (important friendships with women you
can’t see regularly); Kindred Klan (women you socialize with regularly, perhaps once a month);
Friendlies (real friendships, but on a more superficial level); Community (casual friendships,
similar to a network).
Ridgley does an impressive job merging personal experiences, her unique thoughts on
friendship, and anecdotes from other women with research and experts’ opinions. She offers a
plethora of useful tips on how to develop, maintain, and enrich friendships, such as encouraging
readers to “emphasize joy and kindness over charisma”; enthusiasm for a friendship, she posits,
enhances the relationship, as does sharing inside jokes and connecting over the “silly things.”
While she acknowledges that life events can prevent friends from getting together, she connects
the value and depth of friendship with the amount of time, energy, and support each person
provides the other. In other words, quantity equals quality, both in the number of people you
connect with and how often you get together with those people.
Ultimately, Ridgley’s philosophies will resonate with any woman seeking to analyze and expand
friendships, who will find many helpful insights here.
Also available as an ebook.
Brenda Billings Ridgley
Whole You Media, 276 pages, (paperback) $16.95, 978-1737289708
(Reviewed: November, 2021)
In Lady and the Tribe, Brenda Billings Ridgley celebrates the power of female friendships,
sharing insights into the ways they enrich women’s lives and offering strategies for creating,
strengthening, and enjoying these relationships to the fullest.
Ridgley explores the roots of loneliness in today’s times and the impact of social media, while
also sharing stories from her life and others to illustrate personal growth as friendships deepen.
Her narrative addresses the distinct types and levels of women’s relationships with one another,
including toxic ones.
“The Friendship Target” is at the heart of her philosophy. Imagine a center circle titled “You” with
five concentric circles around it. The closer the circle to “You,” the deeper the relationship and
the smaller the number of people included. From the center out, she labels the circles as: Tribe
(”closest to heart-center relationships”); Soul Sisters (important friendships with women you
can’t see regularly); Kindred Klan (women you socialize with regularly, perhaps once a month);
Friendlies (real friendships, but on a more superficial level); Community (casual friendships,
similar to a network).
Ridgley does an impressive job merging personal experiences, her unique thoughts on
friendship, and anecdotes from other women with research and experts’ opinions. She offers a
plethora of useful tips on how to develop, maintain, and enrich friendships, such as encouraging
readers to “emphasize joy and kindness over charisma”; enthusiasm for a friendship, she posits,
enhances the relationship, as does sharing inside jokes and connecting over the “silly things.”
While she acknowledges that life events can prevent friends from getting together, she connects
the value and depth of friendship with the amount of time, energy, and support each person
provides the other. In other words, quantity equals quality, both in the number of people you
connect with and how often you get together with those people.
Ultimately, Ridgley’s philosophies will resonate with any woman seeking to analyze and expand
friendships, who will find many helpful insights here.
Also available as an ebook.
September 28, 2023
"Lady and the Tribe" by Brenda Billings Ridgley offers a valuable perspective on the significance of meaningful friendships in our lives. The author adeptly distinguishes between surface-level social media interactions and the deep, nourishing friendships that enrich our lives.
What sets this book apart is Ridgley's intentionality in guiding readers toward creating intentional circles of friendship. She provides practical insights into the qualities to seek in friends, emphasizing the importance of different types of friendships, from exercise buddies to truth-tellers who challenge our self-deceptions. Her approach is not just about building friendships but also nurturing and sustaining them.
One of the book's key takeaways is the idea that friendships require regular time and effort investments. Ridgley offers valuable suggestions on how to incorporate these investments into our busy lives. Her personal anecdotes and interactive assignments make the book engaging and relatable.
The book delves into the impact of loneliness and isolation on our well-being, emphasizing the importance of human connection, especially in today's digital age. While primarily targeted at women, the book's insights are universally applicable, urging readers to reflect on the quality of their relationships and consider ways to improve them.
Ridgley's writing style is approachable and relatable, making it accessible even to those who might not typically gravitate toward self-help books. She combines personal stories, research, and practical advice to create a comprehensive guide for building and nurturing meaningful friendships.
In summary, "Lady and the Tribe" offers an insightful exploration of the value of deep, lasting friendships and provides a roadmap for intentionally cultivating such connections. It serves as a timely reminder of the significance of human connection in an increasingly digital and isolated world, making it a valuable read for anyone seeking to enhance the quality of their relationships and lead a more fulfilled life.
What sets this book apart is Ridgley's intentionality in guiding readers toward creating intentional circles of friendship. She provides practical insights into the qualities to seek in friends, emphasizing the importance of different types of friendships, from exercise buddies to truth-tellers who challenge our self-deceptions. Her approach is not just about building friendships but also nurturing and sustaining them.
One of the book's key takeaways is the idea that friendships require regular time and effort investments. Ridgley offers valuable suggestions on how to incorporate these investments into our busy lives. Her personal anecdotes and interactive assignments make the book engaging and relatable.
The book delves into the impact of loneliness and isolation on our well-being, emphasizing the importance of human connection, especially in today's digital age. While primarily targeted at women, the book's insights are universally applicable, urging readers to reflect on the quality of their relationships and consider ways to improve them.
Ridgley's writing style is approachable and relatable, making it accessible even to those who might not typically gravitate toward self-help books. She combines personal stories, research, and practical advice to create a comprehensive guide for building and nurturing meaningful friendships.
In summary, "Lady and the Tribe" offers an insightful exploration of the value of deep, lasting friendships and provides a roadmap for intentionally cultivating such connections. It serves as a timely reminder of the significance of human connection in an increasingly digital and isolated world, making it a valuable read for anyone seeking to enhance the quality of their relationships and lead a more fulfilled life.
November 23, 2021
Friendship is something that walks hand in hand with human emotion, if you feel the same way I do if our vibes match we will eventually get together to perform mutual activities. Our interests pull us together, our demeanour stop us from leaving and our history together strengthens the bond between us two. But do we even get to see such friendships in today's world? What is friendship in today's world other than tagging photos of each other and sharing memes that we think are funny? Friendship might not be the first relationship you develop but in most cases, it is seen that if well cherished, it often is the last one to leave us.
Life happens, as said in the book and you lose touch. Not that you don't want to or you never wanted but there comes in a factor that at those moments in our lives become more important than socializing and bonding over a glass of wine. There are a lot of things that may happen which hinders the friendship and pushes apart. Sometimes it is our career, sometimes getting married, having a baby? or grieving over a lost one. There are endless causes that might push you away from the people you called friends, but in the moments of loneliness the same feeling comes to bite us in the beck, the urge to share a thought, to laugh over a joke or to do an activity together it becomes a curse when you are alone.
This book narrates the life of the author and the concept of Tribe, it replenishes your friendly energy to make sure you don't forget to be with your friends even will all the odds bite your neck. It has many activities to perform, they might be helpful they might be not but if you feel lonely and have no one to talk to at the moment you might as well give it a try. There are things in the book that I was a man dislike, Yes I am a man and society doesn't permit us to show our feelings but didn't you support society in stating that the friendship in men is just seeing each other at a football game once a year?
Life happens, as said in the book and you lose touch. Not that you don't want to or you never wanted but there comes in a factor that at those moments in our lives become more important than socializing and bonding over a glass of wine. There are a lot of things that may happen which hinders the friendship and pushes apart. Sometimes it is our career, sometimes getting married, having a baby? or grieving over a lost one. There are endless causes that might push you away from the people you called friends, but in the moments of loneliness the same feeling comes to bite us in the beck, the urge to share a thought, to laugh over a joke or to do an activity together it becomes a curse when you are alone.
This book narrates the life of the author and the concept of Tribe, it replenishes your friendly energy to make sure you don't forget to be with your friends even will all the odds bite your neck. It has many activities to perform, they might be helpful they might be not but if you feel lonely and have no one to talk to at the moment you might as well give it a try. There are things in the book that I was a man dislike, Yes I am a man and society doesn't permit us to show our feelings but didn't you support society in stating that the friendship in men is just seeing each other at a football game once a year?
October 5, 2021
Social connectedness, I am sure that every one of us here is aware of this term. A term that defines this era, a whole generation and this world right now. How people living miles apart can be connected and be talking to each other in an instant even though physically it is an impossibility. Friendships are important but do you call your social interaction friendships? How much do you adore your social relationships that are dictated by the internet service provider and how deep is that love? There are a lot of questions to ask. Because the word friendship has been diluted with the word connections. Hey I am on Facebook and I have over 5000 friends, hey I am an Instagram influencer and I have a follower count of over 1 million. But the more significant point to query should be how do those 5000 friends or 11millions of followers make you feel on a personal note.
Even with all the connections, this generation is dubbed to be the loneliest of all and this book takes us on a journey to survey it all and find what is the meaning of true friendship. How often do we say that yes I hand out with my friends every weekend and we booze and party till we topple over? I am very popular and happy with my friend circle. All of this may be true but have you ever sat to retrospect, aren't all those instances just some time out from 90% of our life?
This book takes you on a journey of self retrospection, spiritual understanding as well as scientific facts. Acclaimed by all and with proven facts, this brings to you a meaning which might not have existed before. Yes, I may not completely agree with a lot of the points stated in the book but whatever is here in this book cannot be just given a blank stare.
Even with all the connections, this generation is dubbed to be the loneliest of all and this book takes us on a journey to survey it all and find what is the meaning of true friendship. How often do we say that yes I hand out with my friends every weekend and we booze and party till we topple over? I am very popular and happy with my friend circle. All of this may be true but have you ever sat to retrospect, aren't all those instances just some time out from 90% of our life?
This book takes you on a journey of self retrospection, spiritual understanding as well as scientific facts. Acclaimed by all and with proven facts, this brings to you a meaning which might not have existed before. Yes, I may not completely agree with a lot of the points stated in the book but whatever is here in this book cannot be just given a blank stare.
February 8, 2022
"Lady and the Tribe” by Brenda Billings Ridgley is an informative and self-help type book dealing with the importance of creating and maintaining your own “tribe” of relationships.
The book goes into what it means to have friends and also to be a friend. There have been many studies (which are mentioned here) about the positive and negative impacts of loneliness and how it affects a person’s mental wellbeing and also their physical wellbeing. A lonely, isolated person with no meaningful relationships can experience things such as insomnia, depression, illness and other harmful physical ailments. People are meant to be together, to connect and to thrive by being there are for each.
The author goes into her own friendships, including her sister, old college friends, and other important people she’s met throughout her life. It’s about the quality of friendships and not the quantity.
The book also includes timely examples dealing with the pandemic (and how social distancing and aversion to gathering has affected relationships) as well as social media. In a world that is more connected than ever (through the internet) there is a huge growing lack of actual meaningful friendships. I’ve seen this myself through years of social media, where it’s more common to view people’s posts (liking and commenting or not) and then moving on without actually communicating with that person. Texting is more common than phone chats nowadays as well, leading to more social isolation and less in-person or vocal social interaction.
The book goes into tips on how to find friendships, how to maintain them, and how to thrive in a world where it’s growing harder and harder to connect. A thoughtful and enjoyable read.
The book goes into what it means to have friends and also to be a friend. There have been many studies (which are mentioned here) about the positive and negative impacts of loneliness and how it affects a person’s mental wellbeing and also their physical wellbeing. A lonely, isolated person with no meaningful relationships can experience things such as insomnia, depression, illness and other harmful physical ailments. People are meant to be together, to connect and to thrive by being there are for each.
The author goes into her own friendships, including her sister, old college friends, and other important people she’s met throughout her life. It’s about the quality of friendships and not the quantity.
The book also includes timely examples dealing with the pandemic (and how social distancing and aversion to gathering has affected relationships) as well as social media. In a world that is more connected than ever (through the internet) there is a huge growing lack of actual meaningful friendships. I’ve seen this myself through years of social media, where it’s more common to view people’s posts (liking and commenting or not) and then moving on without actually communicating with that person. Texting is more common than phone chats nowadays as well, leading to more social isolation and less in-person or vocal social interaction.
The book goes into tips on how to find friendships, how to maintain them, and how to thrive in a world where it’s growing harder and harder to connect. A thoughtful and enjoyable read.
July 31, 2023
In "Lady and the Tribe," Brenda Billings Ridgley takes readers on an inspiring journey of rediscovering individuality and fostering meaningful connections in a world plagued by the silent epidemic of losing oneself amidst societal roles. The book delves into the lives of wives, mothers, and career women, who have inadvertently let go of their preferences, interests, and uniqueness, until they are defined solely by their roles.
Ridgley deftly presents the solution to this predicament: the Tribe – an extraordinary group of friends who act as mirrors, reflecting and preserving each other's individuality. These companions, cheerleaders, and counselors create a support system that allows women to flourish. Through heartfelt personal stories and anecdotes from other women, the author exemplifies the power of genuine connections and encourages readers to build their own Tribe.
The book's exploration of friendship is profound, highlighting the importance of consistency and depth in maintaining meaningful relationships. Ridgley's blueprint for building these connections offers practical insights that can be applied in everyday life.
"Lady and the Tribe" is not just a self-help guide; it is a celebration of the transformative potential of human connections. The author's writing style is engaging and relatable, making it easy for readers to immerse themselves in the stories and teachings presented.
In conclusion, "Lady and the Tribe" serves as a poignant reminder that the path to wholeness lies in reclaiming our true selves and nurturing genuine connections. This book is a must-read for anyone seeking to rediscover their identity and create a Tribe culture that enriches and empowers their life.
Ridgley deftly presents the solution to this predicament: the Tribe – an extraordinary group of friends who act as mirrors, reflecting and preserving each other's individuality. These companions, cheerleaders, and counselors create a support system that allows women to flourish. Through heartfelt personal stories and anecdotes from other women, the author exemplifies the power of genuine connections and encourages readers to build their own Tribe.
The book's exploration of friendship is profound, highlighting the importance of consistency and depth in maintaining meaningful relationships. Ridgley's blueprint for building these connections offers practical insights that can be applied in everyday life.
"Lady and the Tribe" is not just a self-help guide; it is a celebration of the transformative potential of human connections. The author's writing style is engaging and relatable, making it easy for readers to immerse themselves in the stories and teachings presented.
In conclusion, "Lady and the Tribe" serves as a poignant reminder that the path to wholeness lies in reclaiming our true selves and nurturing genuine connections. This book is a must-read for anyone seeking to rediscover their identity and create a Tribe culture that enriches and empowers their life.
January 20, 2023
As somebody whose roving lifestyle has impacted on not only my finding of my ‘tribe’—as in, people to whom I feel akin, in outlook on life, mutual interests and more—I was interested enough to read this book—even though I’m in my sixties now and unlikely to find the elusive ‘tribe’—and see what I’ve been missing out on.
Author Brenda Billings Ridgley has certainly done her homework, looking at how to find friends in the first place and, once found, how to maintain those friendships. The different types of types of friendship are analysed, in terms of why they might be good, or not. I’ve certainly encountered a few of what she terms ‘friendlies’, those for whom friendship is a convenience which ends with the usefulness of those whom they ‘befriend’. Givers and takers, energy ‘vampires—there are many examples of what makes a friendship deeper, or more shallow, as well as ‘Soul Sisters’ and ‘Guy Friendships versus Girl Friendships’, and how—when we’ve found our own personal tribe—every member is a leader.
There are self-help aids too, like a questionnaire for the reader to fill in with their particular goals, beliefs and standards—to name but a few—which clearly buys into the choice of friends they will make. The role of social media ‘friends; is addressed too, and there’s even a task matrix, designed by Dwight D Eisenhower, which the author has adapted to fit the idea of making time for the important things in our lives—friendships in this case. Finally, the text is peppered with actual stories of individuals—like Melinda and Angela, Petra, Pam and Krista.
Overall, a useful manual for those seeking to find friendships, or improve their existing ones.
Author Brenda Billings Ridgley has certainly done her homework, looking at how to find friends in the first place and, once found, how to maintain those friendships. The different types of types of friendship are analysed, in terms of why they might be good, or not. I’ve certainly encountered a few of what she terms ‘friendlies’, those for whom friendship is a convenience which ends with the usefulness of those whom they ‘befriend’. Givers and takers, energy ‘vampires—there are many examples of what makes a friendship deeper, or more shallow, as well as ‘Soul Sisters’ and ‘Guy Friendships versus Girl Friendships’, and how—when we’ve found our own personal tribe—every member is a leader.
There are self-help aids too, like a questionnaire for the reader to fill in with their particular goals, beliefs and standards—to name but a few—which clearly buys into the choice of friends they will make. The role of social media ‘friends; is addressed too, and there’s even a task matrix, designed by Dwight D Eisenhower, which the author has adapted to fit the idea of making time for the important things in our lives—friendships in this case. Finally, the text is peppered with actual stories of individuals—like Melinda and Angela, Petra, Pam and Krista.
Overall, a useful manual for those seeking to find friendships, or improve their existing ones.
June 30, 2023
"Lady and the Tribe" by Brenda Billings Ridgley is an empowering and thought-provoking book that delves into the struggles faced by modern women in maintaining their individuality amidst the demands of their roles as wives, mothers, and professionals. With eloquence and heartfelt storytelling, Ridgley shines a light on the silent epidemic of losing oneself and the toll it takes on our friendships and overall well-being.
Through personal anecdotes and the experiences of other women, the author demonstrates the immense value of cultivating deep connections with our best friends—the members of our Tribe. These friendships serve as mirrors, reflecting our true selves and breathing life into our individuality. They become our unwavering support system, offering companionship, encouragement, and guidance, free from any expectations or obligations.
"Lady and the Tribe" provides a comprehensive roadmap for building and nurturing these vital connections. Ridgley's writing takes readers on an engaging journey, inspiring them to seek out, cherish, and enhance their friendships. By embracing the power of connection, we have the opportunity to reclaim our authenticity, fill the void within, and ultimately thrive.
In a world where superficial interactions dominate, this book reminds us of the profound impact genuine relationships can have on our lives. It serves as a reminder that when we gather as three or more, we become a Tribe—an unbreakable bond that has the potential to heal and transform us. "Lady and the Tribe" is a testament to the transformative power of friendship and the journey towards wholeness through meaningful human connections.
Through personal anecdotes and the experiences of other women, the author demonstrates the immense value of cultivating deep connections with our best friends—the members of our Tribe. These friendships serve as mirrors, reflecting our true selves and breathing life into our individuality. They become our unwavering support system, offering companionship, encouragement, and guidance, free from any expectations or obligations.
"Lady and the Tribe" provides a comprehensive roadmap for building and nurturing these vital connections. Ridgley's writing takes readers on an engaging journey, inspiring them to seek out, cherish, and enhance their friendships. By embracing the power of connection, we have the opportunity to reclaim our authenticity, fill the void within, and ultimately thrive.
In a world where superficial interactions dominate, this book reminds us of the profound impact genuine relationships can have on our lives. It serves as a reminder that when we gather as three or more, we become a Tribe—an unbreakable bond that has the potential to heal and transform us. "Lady and the Tribe" is a testament to the transformative power of friendship and the journey towards wholeness through meaningful human connections.
November 15, 2024
Brenda Ridgley’s Lady and the Tribe is an inspiring exploration of nurturing friendships and building the kind of tribes that help us pursue our dreams. While the book provides a wealth of information—occasionally feeling like a study guide—it’s the author’s heartwarming personal anecdotes that truly shine. Stories about her sister Bobbi and her best friend Jenny bring depth and relatability to her message, emphasizing the importance of cherishing and sustaining friendships.
Ridgley skillfully balances the clinical with the personal. The book offers thoughtful insights on why friendships often fail and provides practical advice for fostering lasting connections. One moment, you feel as though you’re in a classroom learning about the psychology of relationships, and the next, you’re sitting across from the author in a coffee shop, hearing touching and relatable stories about her tribe. This blend of structured guidance and heartfelt storytelling is at times jarring but makes the content both engaging and accessible.
The book encourages readers to reflect on their relationships, helping to identify the barriers that prevent meaningful connections. With its thoughtful organization and actionable advice, Lady and the Tribe offers plenty of nuggets of wisdom. For those willing to take their time and truly engage with the material, there’s much to learn about revitalizing existing relationships and building new ones that matter.
If you’re looking to enrich your friendships and bring fresh energy into your social circles, this book is an excellent starting point. Take it slow, savor the insights, and discover how to pour life into the connections that mean the most to you.
Ridgley skillfully balances the clinical with the personal. The book offers thoughtful insights on why friendships often fail and provides practical advice for fostering lasting connections. One moment, you feel as though you’re in a classroom learning about the psychology of relationships, and the next, you’re sitting across from the author in a coffee shop, hearing touching and relatable stories about her tribe. This blend of structured guidance and heartfelt storytelling is at times jarring but makes the content both engaging and accessible.
The book encourages readers to reflect on their relationships, helping to identify the barriers that prevent meaningful connections. With its thoughtful organization and actionable advice, Lady and the Tribe offers plenty of nuggets of wisdom. For those willing to take their time and truly engage with the material, there’s much to learn about revitalizing existing relationships and building new ones that matter.
If you’re looking to enrich your friendships and bring fresh energy into your social circles, this book is an excellent starting point. Take it slow, savor the insights, and discover how to pour life into the connections that mean the most to you.
January 22, 2025
A Well-Written and Well-Crafted Novel and Genuine Read
I borrowed Lady and the Tribe through Kindle Unlimited, and it felt like a meaningful read. I appreciated how Brenda Billings Ridgley (BBR) focuses on the importance of friendships for women. I liked her honest approach to discussing the loneliness many of us feel, even when we’re surrounded by people. I related to BBR’s idea that modern life often pulls us away from deep connections.
I found the personal stories BBR shared engaging and relatable. I liked BBR’s practical suggestions for building and maintaining friendships. I realized some of us might have neglected some relationships and need to invest more time and effort into them. I thought BBRs breakdown of different types of friendships was insightful and helpful for evaluating my own connections.
I appreciated that BBR also addressed social media’s impact on friendships. I agreed with her perspective that it sometimes creates more isolation than connection. I found the book easy to read, with clear advice that didn’t feel overwhelming.
I thought her emphasis on being intentional with relationships was a great reminder. I enjoyed reflecting on her ideas and thinking about how I can apply them in my life. I felt inspired to reach out to old friends and nurture new ones.
I recommend this book to anyone feeling disconnected or wanting to improve their friendships. I think BBR’s advice is practical and her personal anecdotes make the book relatable. I appreciated her warm and encouraging tone throughout the book. I’m glad I took the time to read it.
BBR = Best Book Read so far
I borrowed Lady and the Tribe through Kindle Unlimited, and it felt like a meaningful read. I appreciated how Brenda Billings Ridgley (BBR) focuses on the importance of friendships for women. I liked her honest approach to discussing the loneliness many of us feel, even when we’re surrounded by people. I related to BBR’s idea that modern life often pulls us away from deep connections.
I found the personal stories BBR shared engaging and relatable. I liked BBR’s practical suggestions for building and maintaining friendships. I realized some of us might have neglected some relationships and need to invest more time and effort into them. I thought BBRs breakdown of different types of friendships was insightful and helpful for evaluating my own connections.
I appreciated that BBR also addressed social media’s impact on friendships. I agreed with her perspective that it sometimes creates more isolation than connection. I found the book easy to read, with clear advice that didn’t feel overwhelming.
I thought her emphasis on being intentional with relationships was a great reminder. I enjoyed reflecting on her ideas and thinking about how I can apply them in my life. I felt inspired to reach out to old friends and nurture new ones.
I recommend this book to anyone feeling disconnected or wanting to improve their friendships. I think BBR’s advice is practical and her personal anecdotes make the book relatable. I appreciated her warm and encouraging tone throughout the book. I’m glad I took the time to read it.
BBR = Best Book Read so far
October 3, 2024
I loved this book! Lady and The Tribe: How to Create Empowering Friendship Circles by Brenda Ridgley helped me to realize that I'm missing out on a lot of important relationships in my life, but not to worry--the author had all the answers on hand! Several concepts jumped out at me; we all know our frenemies (girls who pretend to like you but stab you in the back), but I didn't have a name for friends of convenience until I read about them (friendlies). I also loved the six "essential" friends (the tribal chief, the trailblazer, the fan girl, the empath, etc.), the distillation of friendship into quasi-math formulas that made absolute sense (tribe = friendship + space + vulnerability!), and the kinds of energy vampires (dominator, judgmental, etc.). There are actually tons of other concepts that I could relate to, but I'd end up enumerating the whole book. Everything was well-researched, too; the author cited studies and objective data so that you knew she wasn't just spouting biased opinions from the top of her head. I also appreciated the detailed examples, stories, and anecdotes interspersed generously between the chapters to drive home the points that the author was trying to make. They were truly helpful in helping me to understand the various concepts. All in all, this is a must-read for any girl or woman out there who wants to form deep, lasting relationships with other women who will always have her back, in other words, form her own "tribe!"
October 21, 2024
What makes this stand out is its practical approach to rekindling friendships and nurturing a supportive Tribe. The author offers clear, actionable steps for building and maintaining deep connections, making this book not just an exploration of friendship but a blueprint for creating a Tribe that lifts and supports us through life’s ups and downs. The metaphor of friends as branches of the "tree of life" is particularly poignant, reinforcing the idea that true friends help us grow and flourish.
In a world where friendships often fall by the wayside due to busy schedules and endless responsibilities, this book is a much-needed reminder of the profound role that our closest companions play in our happiness and well-being. It encourages us to prioritize our friendships and shows us how to build relationships that are not just casual but rooted in trust, depth, and authenticity.
This book is a celebration of friendship in its truest form—of the women who lift us, support us, and help us remember who we are outside of our day-to-day roles. It’s an empowering, uplifting read that will resonate with anyone looking to strengthen their friendships and reconnect with their inner self. Highly recommended for women at any stage of life who want to rediscover the power of their Tribe and deepen their connections with the people who matter most.
In a world where friendships often fall by the wayside due to busy schedules and endless responsibilities, this book is a much-needed reminder of the profound role that our closest companions play in our happiness and well-being. It encourages us to prioritize our friendships and shows us how to build relationships that are not just casual but rooted in trust, depth, and authenticity.
This book is a celebration of friendship in its truest form—of the women who lift us, support us, and help us remember who we are outside of our day-to-day roles. It’s an empowering, uplifting read that will resonate with anyone looking to strengthen their friendships and reconnect with their inner self. Highly recommended for women at any stage of life who want to rediscover the power of their Tribe and deepen their connections with the people who matter most.
December 6, 2024
Lady and the Tribe is an informative and easy to read guide to female friendships. The book covers different types of friendships and, perhaps more importantly, how to nurture them.
As someone who has recently lost some friends due to divorce, this was a timely read for me. Some friends were more friends of circumstances or 'friendlies' known originally through my husband's work or as I used to refer to them 'couple friends'. While some have reached out to me, it has hurt that others haven't. Although I knew the friendships were fairly surface-level, we enjoyed going out to restaurants and drinks as a group of couples. This book has helped me to accept the reality of the situation.
I have also read it at a time when I want to make new friends and strengthen the friendships that have helped me get through this difficult period. I have three really good female friends who have been happy to let me turn the tables and for it to be all about me for once. One in particular has really been there for me and I know it has brought us closer. There was a point in time, partly due to the pandemic, that this friendship nearly died out through neglect, but now I know it never will.
I will be keeping some of the messages of this book in the front of my mind as I attempt to regain my single social life.
As someone who has recently lost some friends due to divorce, this was a timely read for me. Some friends were more friends of circumstances or 'friendlies' known originally through my husband's work or as I used to refer to them 'couple friends'. While some have reached out to me, it has hurt that others haven't. Although I knew the friendships were fairly surface-level, we enjoyed going out to restaurants and drinks as a group of couples. This book has helped me to accept the reality of the situation.
I have also read it at a time when I want to make new friends and strengthen the friendships that have helped me get through this difficult period. I have three really good female friends who have been happy to let me turn the tables and for it to be all about me for once. One in particular has really been there for me and I know it has brought us closer. There was a point in time, partly due to the pandemic, that this friendship nearly died out through neglect, but now I know it never will.
I will be keeping some of the messages of this book in the front of my mind as I attempt to regain my single social life.
January 26, 2025
A touching and inspirational manual for recovering the lost skill of deep friendships is Lady and the Tribe. The difficulties that many women encounter balancing their duties as moms, wives, and professionals—and frequently losing their sense of self in the process—are expertly captured by the author. The book's frank examination of how "busy lives" can undermine interpersonal relationships and leave us longing for the solace and support of genuine friendship strikes a deep chord.
The author encourages readers to find and nurture their "Tribe"—those close-knit groups of people that support, encourage, and remind us of who we really are—by sharing relatable personal tales and offering helpful guidance. The way that friends are compared to tree branches effectively highlights how important they are to our lives.
This book's practical strategy for creating and maintaining these connections is what really sets it apart. Lady and the Tribe provides a road plan for creating relationships that are genuine and long-lasting, from making new friends to strengthening current ties.
This book is a call to rediscover the strength and joy that come from connection, not just a guide. Anyone who is prepared to value friendship and accept the transformational potential of a tribe should read this book.
The author encourages readers to find and nurture their "Tribe"—those close-knit groups of people that support, encourage, and remind us of who we really are—by sharing relatable personal tales and offering helpful guidance. The way that friends are compared to tree branches effectively highlights how important they are to our lives.
This book's practical strategy for creating and maintaining these connections is what really sets it apart. Lady and the Tribe provides a road plan for creating relationships that are genuine and long-lasting, from making new friends to strengthening current ties.
This book is a call to rediscover the strength and joy that come from connection, not just a guide. Anyone who is prepared to value friendship and accept the transformational potential of a tribe should read this book.
February 2, 2025
Brenda Ridgeley’s book on female friendship was an interesting rather than an eye-opening read. Over some 350 pages, she explores the premise that benefiting from strong females friendships is good for us and that we should all make time for them. Ridgeley’s focus is specifically on female friendships groups - she’s coined them “tribes” - and demonstrates through various case studies how being part of one herself has ultimately helped her flourish outside of her role as wife and mother. Ridgeley provides advice and guidance as to how one can nurture and strengthen these tribes - whether that’s through week-ends away or enjoying hobbies together. And if we find ourselves lacking friends or indeed a tribe of our own, she offers suggestions as to how and where connections could be made so that we can create our own tribe. There are some sobering statistics on loneliness (how it is likely to increase your risk of death by 26% and has the same impact on mortality as smoking 15 cigarettes a day) and some heartwarming vignettes on how her friends have helped each-other overcome challenging times. Overall, this was an enjoyable, uplifting read that celebrates the power and transformative effect of female friendship, how we can all benefit from stronger connections and importantly, be a better friend to the women in our tribes.
May 10, 2024
“Lady and the Tribe: How to Create empowering friendship circles,” by Brenda Billings Ridgley, has a lovely cover featuring a tree with leaves of many colors. This book focuses on cultivating friends that are like family, close friends, trustworthy friends.
Some main points:
There is danger in becoming isolated from close friends, as loneliness can be lethal; humans need to be seen, acknowledged, and cared for. And one can feel lonely despite having friends…if you are detached from them. Studies show that isolated people are more apt to contract a myriad of health problems.
It is important to be able to identify “frenemies” from true friends. Friendship should be reciprocal and not one-sided. Friendship requires time, attention, and enthusiasm.
Men tend to want different things from friendship than women: men focus on someone to do activities with while women want people to share with. A close friendship can be maintained even with someone who lives far away, but it is also important to have friends you can see on a regular basis.
It’s okay to be vulnerable.
The author explains the advantages and hazards of social media and provides tips on how to form new friends. I found it to be a well-organized book with helpful and consequential information.
Some main points:
There is danger in becoming isolated from close friends, as loneliness can be lethal; humans need to be seen, acknowledged, and cared for. And one can feel lonely despite having friends…if you are detached from them. Studies show that isolated people are more apt to contract a myriad of health problems.
It is important to be able to identify “frenemies” from true friends. Friendship should be reciprocal and not one-sided. Friendship requires time, attention, and enthusiasm.
Men tend to want different things from friendship than women: men focus on someone to do activities with while women want people to share with. A close friendship can be maintained even with someone who lives far away, but it is also important to have friends you can see on a regular basis.
It’s okay to be vulnerable.
The author explains the advantages and hazards of social media and provides tips on how to form new friends. I found it to be a well-organized book with helpful and consequential information.
April 11, 2025
"Lady and the Tribe" by Brenda Billings Ridgley is a non-fiction work that delves into the crucial role of female friendships in women's lives. The book addresses the modern issue of loneliness and how busy lives can often lead to the neglect of these vital connections. Ridgley shares personal anecdotes and the experiences of other women, blending them with research and expert opinions, to provide a comprehensive look at the dynamics of female relationships.
A core concept within the book is "The Friendship Target," a philosophy that visualizes friendships in concentric circles, emphasizing the varying levels of intimacy and importance within these relationships. Ridgley offers practical advice on how to build, maintain, and deepen friendships, stressing the significance of qualities like joy, kindness, and shared experiences.
The book aims to guide women in reclaiming their individuality and filling the void that can arise from neglecting their personal needs and friendships. It positions "the Tribe" as a support system that enhances a woman's life, acting as a source of companionship, encouragement, and counsel. In essence, "Lady and the Tribe" serves as a blueprint for creating meaningful and empowering friendship circles.
A core concept within the book is "The Friendship Target," a philosophy that visualizes friendships in concentric circles, emphasizing the varying levels of intimacy and importance within these relationships. Ridgley offers practical advice on how to build, maintain, and deepen friendships, stressing the significance of qualities like joy, kindness, and shared experiences.
The book aims to guide women in reclaiming their individuality and filling the void that can arise from neglecting their personal needs and friendships. It positions "the Tribe" as a support system that enhances a woman's life, acting as a source of companionship, encouragement, and counsel. In essence, "Lady and the Tribe" serves as a blueprint for creating meaningful and empowering friendship circles.
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