Sisters

       

         I love girls. I love being around them--talking, laughing, crying, hugging and praying. Raised with two boys, I have multiple surrogate women in my life who act as sisters, grandmothers, and extra aunts and mothers.
         I suspect that Austen was a woman's woman, too. Her beloved sister Cassandra was her nearest confidant, and most of her work stems from female perspectives. There is the Bennet clan of Amazons who outnumber poor Mr. Bennet, the tight male-less Dashwood group, the disjointed Elliot women, etc. The women in these tales don't always get along. There are often unreasonable members, such as Lady Catherine or Mrs. Bennet, as well as unhelpful advice from female counselors like Lady Russell or Emma. But despite the occasional persecution amongst their own sex, the women of Austen are a fairly tight bunch as they wrestle with life and with men--the more foreign companions.
       Guys can be awesome friends, as well. In fact, I'm appreciating and valuing them more and more. However, the immediate intimacy available with most women who giggle and scream and just "totally understand" requires more careful navigation.