A lot of women hit a wall in their 40s when it comes to making friends, and it has nothing to do with effort or desire. The dorm hallways, office desks and soccer sidelines that once built friendships almost by accident are gone, and nothing built for grown women has taken their place. Ahead of Aug. 1, National Girlfriends Day, one action coach says closing that gap takes far less effort than most women assume, and it starts with one small step.

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