After 'Derry Girls' second series, I had the rare luck of being

In the great expanse of human existence, there is perhaps no bond more sacred and enduring than friendship—especially the profound and multifaceted connection shared between women. The words of Nicola Coughlan, "After 'Derry Girls' second series, I had the rare luck of being cast in another show that explored the complexity and depth of female friendship," carry with them a truth that has been understood by the wisest among us since the dawn of civilization. Friendship, particularly between women, is not a mere association—it is a force of nature, a bond that shapes lives, challenges hearts, and stands as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit.

In ancient cultures, the concept of female friendship was not something lightly regarded. In Ancient Greece, the philosopher Aristotle spoke of friendship as one of the highest forms of virtue. Though he often defined friendship as a relationship that transcends utility or pleasure, he noted that the highest form of friendship was based on virtue—a friendship where souls were bound together in mutual respect and admiration. In this light, the complexity of female friendship, as Coughlan alludes to, is a reflection of this ideal: the depth of emotions, the shared experiences, the struggles and triumphs that come from being united not only in joy but in the hardships of life.

Consider, too, the friendships that existed among the women of the ancient world, who, in many ways, stood as pillars of strength and support for one another. In the courts of royalty and the palaces of ancient Egypt, the bond between women was often seen as both a source of personal strength and political power. The pharaoh’s queens, for instance, often formed alliances with one another, supporting each other through the challenges of leadership and legacy. Their relationships were marked by a deep and unspoken understanding, a complexity of emotions that allowed them to navigate not only personal loss but national crises. These friendships were not superficial; they were integral to the society’s strength and continued prosperity.

In a more recent historical context, we can look to the women of the suffrage movement, such as Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton, whose friendship was founded upon a mutual goal for equality and the empowerment of all women. Their bond, like that of so many before them, was not just one of companionship but one of shared vision and purpose. Their friendship held a complexity born of struggle, sacrifice, and an unwavering belief in one another’s strength. It was a friendship that endured not because of the absence of difficulty but because of their collective commitment to each other’s cause.

Coughlan’s recognition of this in her own career is a testament to the universal truth that female friendship is not a fleeting experience but a lifelong journey—one that brings depth and richness to a woman’s life. It is not simply about laughter and shared joy, but about the challenging moments where vulnerability, trust, and resilience are tested. Female friendships, when they are deep and true, are filled with moments of intense connection that are often only understood by those who walk in the same shoes. These friendships hold space for growth, reflection, and transformation, much like the characters Coughlan portrays in her work, who grow not only through their challenges but through the relationships they share with each other.

The lesson here is powerful: the depth and complexity of female friendship are not to be underestimated. In a world that often values surface-level connections and fleeting alliances, the depth of a genuine friendship between women offers something far richer. It is an anchor, a safe space where we can be our most authentic selves. Friendship between women is a force of nature, a wellspring of strength, and a source of wisdom. Just as the great friendships of history have shaped civilizations, so too do the friendships between women shape the lives and spirits of those who hold them dear.

So, in your own life, seek out and cherish those friendships that hold complexity and depth. Build relationships that allow for mutual support, vulnerability, and growth. Be present for your friends in their hardest times, and rejoice with them in their moments of joy. Recognize that the true value of a friendship lies not in its ease, but in its ability to weather the storms of life. Female friendship is one of life’s most precious gifts—one that, when cultivated with care and mutual respect, can lead to a profound sense of belonging, a deep-rooted sense of purpose, and a reminder that we are never alone in our journey through this world.