In this article for Cosmopolitan Philippines November issue, I comment on the intricacies of relationships between women.

Female friendships are challenging because they are built on layers upon layers of female issues: competition, discrimination, cultural restraints on what women can and cannot do; how women should behave. Lack of honesty complicates relationships amongst women — because of  cultural ideals on acceptable behavior, women tend to hide feelings of anger, frustration, irritation from women friends. As a result, so much of what must be said remains unsaid,unrecognised tension festers into passive-aggressive actions. Honesty is such an expensive commodity yet very necessary for authentic relationships. It may not be possible to become vulnerable in all relationships. However, choosing whom to trust and opening up to them of our feelings and sentiments makes us feel less alone and more connected with life.

(Suzy Roxas is a regular consultant  on women’s issues for Cosmopolitan Magazine )