What is the theme in Waiting to Exhale by Terry McMillan?

One of the important themes in the book is that of support among black women. The relationship between Savannah, Bernadine, Robin and Gloria is strong with each woman supporting the other in spite of differences of opinion and lifestyle choices. There is an overriding assumption that black women must remain as a cohesive unit because of the naturally occurring disintegration of their collective self-esteem due to the move of Black men seeking relationships with white women. The main characters are fierce in their loyalty on this issue, especially in their support of Bernadine, who has suffered this indignity firsthand.