I have no sisters. But lately, I’m realizing that women in my life are becoming more and more important to me. Other women are becoming sources of strength, inspiration, and just making me feel better about myself. This comes as a surprise to me, because I have often looked at other women as competition (for men, popularity, attractiveness benchmarks), or threats (the mean girls).

But I have changed my mind because of the following thing that happened to me recently.

1. I went to a training offsite, and met not 1, but 3 amazing women. We didn’t know each other, but we formed a connection fast. J is a warm, honest, accessible woman who at the same time has great instincts, is tough, and though she’s small, won’t let anyone push her around. A is one of those stunning, pulled together girls who manages to be incredibly inclusive and connecting with everyone around her. And D is one of those women who you think is too good to be true because she’s so professional, but then she makes these hilarious comments which make you appreciate that she’s feisty and is going to call it as she sees it.

I don’t know if we’ll stay friends forever. But spending the week with these women has shown me that no matter what your age, it’s never too late to feel a connection with someone: the absolute realization that in a short amount of time, you care about this person. That is a gift.