From the first pages, when the nurse asks if the women are sisters, the novel revolves around the joys of friendship and the emotional support that such relationships provide. Though there are examples of enduring romantic relationships—Jerry and Slip and Faith and Wade both have strong marriages, and Merit and Frank fall deeply in love—the novel posits that friendships are one of, if not the most, powerful of relationships. Lorna Landvik suggests that friendships are unique: They are full of love, loyalty, honesty, and acceptance not always found among familial or romantic bonds.

The need for friendship, and the women’s reliance on one another, is part of what brings and holds them together. Though Faith has a pleasant home and is financially stable, with a caring husband and two children, she watches the women of Freesia Court with longing. At the first opportunity, she invites the women to her home and tries to get to know them, showing that female friendship can supply an emotional bond that other relationships don’t. Faith even feels a bit jealous of the bonds that the other women have, such as when Slip invites Kari to her child’s school performance, but not her. Faith recognizes and craves the acceptance, validation, and support of other women who are going through life experiences similar to her own.