Men have always known: women are complicated!

After 14 years together, my husband is still confused. When I enthuse about the new shoes I bought, his eyes glaze over. When I change topics on him without warning, he is totally lost and irritated. When I vent about my life, he tries to fix it for me - even when I tell him I just want him to listen.

He doesn't get me. Sound familiar?

Is it any wonder we girls rely so much on our friends to make sense of our lives? When Husband talks to his friends, it's either shoptalk or the glory days.

"Hey dude, remember that time we planted titty mags in Mr. Mercer's desk during Parent/Teacher conferences? That was awesome, man!"

Women draw on their friends for what their men can't give them. I certainly couldn't live without my five best girls.

1. Annika is my crazy fun friend, the one I call when I'm in the mood for karaoke, clubbing, or glow-bowling. She even knows how to shit in the woods. Whenever I need to let out the beast, she's on my speed dial.

2. Abby is my confidante. She knows all my dark secrets, even the ones I should take to my grave. While she doesn't always have an answer, it's safe to unload with her. Also, she makes a killer martini.

3. My mature friend Janet is my wise mentor. She has experienced so much in her life and always gives me a healthy dose of perspective. Even though the generational gap can sometimes complicate things, I can always count on her to help me see "the big picture".

4. Jess is the friend whose life is least like my own. In our case, I'm the married stay-at-home mom and she's the single career woman. It can be affirming to see her struggles as she sees mine whenever we're wondering if the grass is actually greener.

5. Mel is my cousin, and my link to the past. She keeps me grounded, and family gatherings are actually fun when she's there. At the most opportune times, she will remind me about the 4-year-long crush I had on a nerdy little guy named Chris.

My husband is not remotely jealous of these close relationships; if anything, he's relieved.

Mamaluv is a ChickAdvisor writer who is always there for her friends... well, except during Y&R.

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