Who is your guy or your gee? Gee is a Nigerian slang that means tight friend. During my recent spontaneous trip with my medical school classmates, our theme song was “Who is your guy” by Spyro. We unanimously made this our theme song because, 24 years after leaving medical school, we realize the importance of spending time with your guys and your gees for life. Call it middle age, or whatever you want, but as we all are clocking 50, we realize that life is short and the social need to reconnect is stronger. Plus, as physicians, especially female physicians, we recognize the benefits and importance of reunions and reconnections.

Why go on a girl’s trip?

Studies show that hanging out with our girlfriends can help us live longer, just as much as not smoking. Furthermore, having girlfriends can prolong your life even more than exercising and maintaining a healthy weight!

Besides, going on a girls’ trip is a significant part of practicing a healthy lifestyle. Unfortunately, we often neglect our social health. Hence, the increasing rate of mental health problems and suicide. So, in addition to the other aspects of a healthy lifestyle shown below, we need to invest time in our social health.

Last year, I was privileged to attend a girls’ trip with my high school classmates. And this year, it was with my medical school classmates. Each trip was with a totally different group of ladies, but both were refreshing and just as much fun. And that is because each woman is unique and brings something to the table. Fortunately, it’s pretty easy for me to find something I admire about each person and to learn from them.

Yes, life has happened to us all. There is no woman without wounds and scars. And I will be the first to admit that! But what do we do with our wounds? We identify our wounds and seek healing. And one of the ways we heal is to talk to our guy.

Who is your guy?

Your guy is not only your gist partner but your trusted friend. Your guy is someone you can count on to be there for you at all times. Someone that has stood by you in times of grief, sorrow, and joy is your guy. They are ready to cry and rejoice with you on demand.

To understand who your guy is, here are some revised lyrics from our theme song – Who is your guy – by Spyro.

Yeah, I’m feeling good tonight because I am here with my guy

I have plenty on my mind, but right now, I am with my guy

I am not fearful, for they got my back

When my guy enters, bad energy goes far away 

I thank God for my real gees.

Your guy may not be your high school or college classmate, but God has given everyone at least one guy. Yes, you can navigate the world alone, but you will live a more meaningful and enriched life with your guys.

Finally, God has assigned someone or some people to cry with you and support you when you need it the most. And sometimes, your guy can show up in the least expected places. For example, when I went through a devastating and life-changing experience in 2006, God put a couple in my life that I had barely known for a few months. They fulfilled their roles in my life that season, and I am eternally grateful for that.

Health benefits of girls’ trips

Going on a girls’ trip is self-care because it nurtures our physical, mental, and social health. Hanging out with your girlfriends:

1) Reduces the risk of heart disease.

2) Helps manage physical pain.

3) Helps you live longer.

4) Reduces stress.

5) Makes you happier by releasing oxytocin, the happy hormone.

6) Reduces depression.

One advantage of having an old classmate as your guy is that you have much in common and are most likely in similar seasons or stages of life. Furthermore, sharing similar stories lets you realize you are not alone in your struggles or victories.

So, when next you attend a reunion or girls’ trip, know it’s not just a socialization event but a way to improve your physical, social, and mental well-being. I can assure you that each one of us felt rejuvenated and re-energized by our Vegas trip. For more on girls’ trips and school reunions, check out “10 Reasons to Attend Your High School Reunion.”

Final thoughts

So, who’s your guy? Can you remember how or why you became friends? Probably not. People say true friends come naturally. But I believe God divinely puts specific people on your path so that you can do life together. Therefore, appreciate your divinely appointed friends and old classmates.

One of my gees and I have similar T-shirts with these words “Friends who support one another conquer the world together.” Indeed, we all need support at one time or another – in good times and bad.

However, as we all know, life happens! Sometimes, we are not in a season or mood to hang out with friends on a girls’ trip. We have all been there. But please, remember that “Tough seasons don’t last, but tough people do.” Therefore, if you are in a tough season right now, reach out to at least one trusted friend. As the famous saying goes – A problem shared is half solved.

For those whose lives are stable presently, I want to encourage you to celebrate every day because no one knows tomorrow, and sorrow needs no invitation. As Ecclesiastes 3 says, “For everything there is a season… A time to cry and a time to laugh. A time to grieve and a time to dance.”

We definitely had a great time celebrating one another in Las Vegas. In fact, we threw a surprise 50th birthday party for one of us. As for everything else we did in Vegas, let’s just say, “Whatever happens in Vegas stays in Vegas.”

So, again, who is your guy? Today, let them know that they are your gees for life. And always remember to invest time in your friendships and do unto others as you would like them to do to you!

Please feel free to leave your comments below and also share this article.

Yours in health and fitness,

Doctor Abi