From high school pals to women we meet in the bar restroom, it’s clear that the power of Girl Code is real. Girl code is the unspoken understanding between women that they will treat each other with respect, kindness, and empathy.
It means being there for one another in times of need and keeping each other’s secrets safe. It also means sharing a tampon with a stranger or not driving away until your girlfriend is inside her house.
We know that Girl Code is more than just a catchy phrase; it’s at the core of female relationships. Whether you are in need of advice, support, or just a good laugh, your girl gang has got your back.
This post will look at the importance of Girl Code and why it is still relevant today. It will discuss topics such as trust, loyalty, and respect. Finally, this article will dive into some concrete examples of how Girl Code can be put into action. So grab your favorite ladies, and let’s get started!
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What Exactly is Girl Code?
Girl Code refers to a set of unwritten rules for how women interact with one another. These codes encourage women to uplift and empower each other rather than tear each other down. The concept has become popularized in recent years through social media and networking events aimed at connecting women in various industries.
Girl Codes can cover a variety of topics and is about creating a strong community of empowered women who can come together for support and share resources to help each other succeed.
It serves as an important reminder that female friendships should be based on mutual respect, understanding, and trust. By embracing Girl Code, women can build strong relationships with each other and create a powerful network of support, both professionally and personally.
The Unwritten Rules of Girl Code
Below are some essential rules to follow when abiding by the Girl Code:
1. Don’t steal each other’s boyfriends.
Never date, flirt with, or have any romantic relationship with a friend’s ex, love interest, or current partner. This is completely off-limits and a major violation of trust and respect.
2. Share your tampons—even if you’re frenemies.
Always share your tampons. Almost every woman has found herself in need of one and not having one handy. Even if you don’t like her, help a sister out.
3. Be an epic wing woman after a breakup.
If your bestie finds herself in the midst of a difficult breakup, provide her with your unconditional support. Offer to take her out for drinks, buy her a pint of the most chocolatey ice cream you can find, be there to talk, and help her get back on track. Finish the evening with a night of dancing to help get her mojo back.
4. Don’t make her choose between you and her partner.
It’s no secret that balancing friendships and relationships is complicated. Don’t force her to choose between you and her partner. Instead, show respect for both of them, communicate openly, and try to make it work.
Ask to set aside a monthly date for just the two of you!
5. Let her know when her bra strap is showing.
Girls don’t let girls walk around with their straps hanging out. Whether a friend or stranger, it’s a woman’s job to let her know if her boobs need some adjusting. She’ll appreciate the heads-up!
6. Don’t drive away until she’s in her house.
When dropping off your gal pal, ensure she gets inside her house. If she’s lost her keys or having other issues getting inside, the last thing you want is for her to be locked out, alone at night.
7. Avoid talking poorly of women you don’t know.
Everyone has their own story, and no one can possibly know what’s going on in someone else’s life. Refrain from making judgments or negative comments about women you don’t know, and avoid gossiping at all costs.
8. Be her hype girl.
Girls need other girls to cheer them on when embarking on a new endeavor or taking on a challenge. Whenever she needs a little extra motivation, be there for her with words of encouragement and support.
9. Be her Instagram boyfriend.
We all know men just don’t understand the angles we need. It’s up to our girlfriends to help us get the perfect shots.
10. Track her location on a first date.
Now more than ever, ladies need the support of their girls when going out on a first date. Have her share her location with you, and check in after the date to ensure she got home safe.
11. Don’t post a pic without her approval.
Nothing is worse than opening up Instagram and seeing a photo of yourself you hate. Always ask for permission before posting a photo of someone else, and make sure to discuss the caption beforehand. Also, avoid tagging her in photos she doesn’t want to be tagged in (i.e., ones from late-night outings).
12. Ask before borrowing her clothes.
Always ask before wearing her dress out to the club. It’s always better to get permission first rather than get in trouble for spilling a cocktail on her new outfit.
13. Don’t compete with each other.
Remember that healthy competition is encouraged, but don’t let it turn into jealousy or a feeling of one-upping each other. Differences are what make us unique and help us learn from each other. Another woman’s success does not mean we have failed.
14. Swoop in and rescue her if she’s getting hit on by a creep.
If a guy is harassing your friend, or she just isn’t feeling it, swoop in and rescue her. Step between them (if needed), talk to her with an assertive voice, be prepared to alert management or security if necessary, and get her out of there as soon as possible.
15. Help decode texts.
For every text a man sends a love interest, there are at least two gal pals to decode it. Help your close friends format the perfect responses and spicy emojis to go with them.
16. Back up her stories.
When she tells her mom she was sleeping over at your house, but she was actually out with a boy—you follow her lead.
17. Never slut-shame another woman.
It’s okay if what you are comfortable going out in and what another woman is comfortable going out in are different. Respect each other’s choices and don’t make comments like, “You’re dressing too provocatively,” or “That looks trashy.”
18. If you see a drunk woman leaving a bar, offer to call her a cab.
Never leave another woman in a vulnerable situation. If you see someone who had too much to drink and looks like they may be in danger, offer to call them a cab or an Uber. This could potentially save their life.
19. Help her move when she needs it.
Nobody likes moving, and nobody likes helping somebody else move. When she’s one of your girls, you suck it up and give her a hand. Offer to help with packing, lifting, and cleaning. She’ll love you for it.
20. Always support each other.
Always support your fellow woman, whether it’s in the workplace, social events, or personal life. Help her out when she needs it, and celebrate her successes.
Your bestie’s dreams don’t always have to be your own. Even if you don’t understand or agree with what she wants to do, be a good friend and choose to embrace her ambition and cheer her on in her journey.
21. Don’t Irish Goodbye at the club without her.
Whether it’s a late night out with friends or a double date, never leave your friend behind without saying goodbye. Let her know if you’re leaving, and make sure she gets home safe.
22. Help her pee if her outfit requires it.
Just like a bride and her bridesmaids, your latest outfit may require some backup.
23. If a stall needs toilet paper, give her a heads-up.
There’s nothing worse than going number 2 to find out you’ve got no toilet paper in sight. Let the next lady in line know to bring some tissue with her or risk air drying.
24. Keep things confidential.
Respect each other’s privacy, and don’t be a gossip. Keeping things to yourself shows that you can be trusted with sensitive topics, strengthening your bond.
25. Celebrate milestones together.
Whether it’s getting a job promotion, starting a business, having a baby, or running a marathon—celebrate with a girls’ night. Don’t let these accomplishments go unnoticed!
26. Always stick together.
Female friends need to stick together and stand up for each other. If you see a woman being mistreated, bullied, or harassed, speak up and offer your support.
27. Never let a man come between your friendship.
If there’s a man you’re both looking to hook up with, never try to compete with each other for his attention. Instead, talk it out and find a way to peacefully come to an arrangement.
According to the “Guy Code,” a man will always choose loyalty to his buddy over a mutual friend’s crush. As women, we can’t let them be better!
28. Be a good listener.
Listen with an open mind and without judgment, offering empathy and understanding to the best of your ability. Sometimes when our friends are having a hard time, listening to their stories can be exhausting.
But any good best friend will let them vent and be there for them no matter what (or no matter how boring)!
29. Give honest feedback when asked.
Constructive criticism is always welcome, but make sure to deliver it in a kind and respectful manner. Don’t tear people down or publicly embarrass them.
30. Be open-minded.
Everyone has different experiences and opinions. Be open-minded and willing to listen to different perspectives. Avoid judging someone based on stereotypical behaviors or their background.
31. Don’t spread rumors.
Gossiping or spreading rumors can be hurtful and damaging. Avoid participating in rumors or confront the person who started it and ask them to stop.
32. Have each other’s back.
No matter the situation or circumstance, be there for each other. Having your BFF’s back is one of the greatest gifts you can give—and it doesn’t cost a thing!
33. Take her phone away when necessary.
Don’t let her text her ex-boyfriend after a few drinks. Instead, hold on to her cell phone so that the only thing she regrets in the morning is her hangover.
34. Text her when you get home.
Always text each other when you get home. It’s a simple gesture, but it lets her know that you care and are thinking of her. It’s a scary world out there, and women need to keep each other safe.
35. Defend her in a room she’s not in.
If you hear someone talking about your friend behind her back, don’t be afraid to stick up for her. She may not know what’s being said, but it shows that she has a loyal friend who has her best interests at heart.
36. If you like a woman’s outfit, tell her.
How often have you thought someone looked adorable and didn’t bother to let them know? Your compliment could turn their crappy day upside down! Spread kind words and compliments whenever you can.
37. Don’t let her walk home alone.
It’s no secret that it isn’t always safe for women to walk home alone, especially at night. Offer to accompany her or drive her home if possible. Safety is a top priority, and your friend will appreciate the extra layer of security. However, be sure you have a plan for getting home safely as well.
38. Remember birthdays, holidays, and special occasions.
Send funny cards or thoughtful gifts, or surprise them with a day out. Don’t let any important date or event slip your mind. Having a best friend is one of life’s greatest gifts, so show her some love on special occasions.
39. Dating siblings is off-limits.
No matter how tempting it may be, never break the cardinal rule: dating one of your friend’s siblings is off-limits. It’s awkward and uncomfortable for all parties involved. If you’re interested in someone who happens to be related to your friend, be sure to have a discussion with her before pursuing it.
40. If you think her boyfriend is cheating on her, tell her.
No one wants to be the bearer of bad news, but loyalty dictates that you tell the truth. If your friend is being taken advantage of, she needs to know so that she can make an informed decision. Be there for her no matter what and offer your support throughout.
When is it okay to break Girl Code?
The whole concept of the Girl Code is based upon mutual respect and support among women. However, there may be situations where it’s acceptable to break Girl Code, while in other situations, it’s not.
For instance, breaking Girl Code may be acceptable if:
- Your friend is in danger: If your friend is in a dangerous situation or is being abused, it’s important to speak up, even if it means going against her wishes. Her safety is the top priority.
- You need to prioritize your well-being: Taking care of your mental and emotional health is important. If a friendship is toxic or harmful to you, it’s okay to distance yourself from that person, even if it goes against Girl Code.
- You’ve made a mistake: Nobody’s perfect, and sometimes we mess up. If you’ve unintentionally broken Girl Code, it’s important to apologize and make amends as soon as possible.
- You’re genuinely in love: In some cases, it’s okay to date someone your friend used to be with if you both have genuine feelings for each other. Of course, it’s important to discuss the situation with your friend beforehand and make sure that everyone is on board before taking any action. At the end of the day, remember that breaking Girl Code should not be taken lightly—you should only do it if absolutely necessary.
On the other hand, there are situations where breaking Girl Code is not acceptable, such as:
- Betraying your friend’s trust: If you’ve promised to keep something confidential, it’s essential to uphold that promise unless the situation puts your friend in danger.
- Sabotaging your friend’s relationship: Pursuing or undermining your friend’s boyfriend or partner is never okay. Respect their relationship and let them be.
- Lying or spreading rumors: Honesty and integrity are at the core of any healthy sisterhood. Lying or spreading rumors can damage your friend’s reputation and undermine the trust between you.
- Gossiping about your friend: Gossiping about a friend to other people is not only disrespectful but also damaging to the relationship. If you have an issue with something they did, bring it up directly and in private
While there may be some situations where breaking Girl Code is acceptable, it’s important to consider the consequences of your actions and do your best to maintain your friend’s trust, respect, and well-being.
Closing Thoughts
Whether you’re roommates or she’s a stranger in the bathroom bar, Girl Code is an unwritten rule that reminds us to be kind and respectful toward each other. It encourages us to prioritize our relationships, practice empathy, and foster a sense of unity among women—a reminder that even if we don’t always agree, we should still treat each other with respect. By following Girl Code, we can build strong friendships and create a community where women lift up women.
The bottom line is: Be kind, be honest, and have each other’s back—that’s the true meaning of Girl Code.
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The Girl Code rules are guidelines for how women should treat each other. It includes being honest, supportive, and respectful, avoiding gossiping, and prioritizing each other’s safety and well-being.
A scratch-off adventure book will ensure your girl power is glorified. It encourages players to foster a sense of unity among each other and to prioritize our relationships with respect and understanding.
The number one rule of the Girl Code is to be there for each other. Having your BFF’s back is one of the best gifts you can give. By following this rule, we create a supportive community among women.
The Girl Code means to always be there for each other. A great way to reconnect after a rough patch might be to play a scratch-off adventure game together.
Breaking the Girl Code could include gossiping, spreading rumors, or intentionally sabotaging a friend’s relationship. It is important to consider the consequences before breaking Girl Code.