Little girl friendships

Being the parent of a boy and a girl, I have often marveled at basic gender differences. Although I was raised in a culture preaching a firm belief that boys and girls are exactly the same (except for the obvious physical differences), I wholeheartedly disagree.

This morning I was reminded of something I heard when my daughter was a baby, but had not yet witnessed. Little girls begin fighting with their girlfriends earlier in life than little boys, and hold a grudge longer.

My darling six year old declared this morning her best friend was no longer her best friend and she had a new best friend now. The reason? Her former best friend thought she didn't like green beans. They fought about it. Then they wouldn't play together. Now they aren't friends.

It was futile to explain to her that was not a good reason to not be friends with someone. Food is a sensitive subject for my daughter as she tries to wrap her little head around her life threatening allergies, but throwing out a long-time best friend for an error in food likes? That surprised me. And I had to suppress a chuckle.

I am pleased my daughter is trying to be friends with another little girl, but I will rest a little easier when she welcomes back her former best friend and everything is right in the world. And I long for a life in which the worst my friend can do to me is accuse me of disliking green beans.