At the tail end of my friendship with my middle school clique, I first experienced the downsides to social media and the impact it can have on our wellbeing and relationships. I was in 9th grade and was away for the weekend with my parents, after my friend’s mother declined my mother’s request for me … [Read more…]
There are several correlations I’ve found between my undergrad training as an actor, and my experiences now as a social worker. But both careers rely heavily on a good self-care regimen. Both roles require the “player” to give and reveal so much of who they are, and absorb the emotions of others in a way … [Read more…]
Having distance from my experiences with girl bullying and a stronger sense of who I am has allowed me to revisit these memories with clarity, rather than emotion. However, I’m reminded every day of the impact those girls had on how I view and approach relationships; I often feel desperate when making plans with friends … [Read more…]
Many of my posts cater to providing advice for victims of girl bullying, or the parents of victims. But I feel it’s just as important to address the bully. Often times, it can be much harder for a parent to acknowledge their daughter is causing such pain and drama. It’s crucial to recognize that there … [Read more…]
Why do we as women so often struggle to accept compliments? It’s a habit I’ve witnessed time and time again not only in others, but also in myself. When someone compliments my clothes, I don’t hesitate to let out an enthusiastic thank you and share where I bought it. But when someone compliments me – … [Read more…]
I have always taken issue with the term “best friends” – this initially stemmed from the fact that I myself did not have a true best friend until the end of high school. But even after claiming the experience myself, I consider the implications and expectations of that expression to be ultimately detrimental to how … [Read more…]
You’re in a small pond • These are the friends you have access to right now. Finding the right friends is heavily contingent on finding the right environment. College, your career, even a club will open opportunities to meet “your people.” The best revenge is your future success • It may seem easiest to sit … [Read more…]
One of the most common misconceptions about girl bullying (and bullying in general), is that it disappears after the adolescent years. It’s an unfortunate reality I’ve faced that this is just simply not the case. I’ve encountered my fair share of adults who never quite shook the habits of exchanging nasty looks and indulging cattiness. … [Read more…]
Being nice should be just that – nice. Growing up, we’re taught that if you’re nice, good things and people will come to you and you will ultimately be rewarded. But throughout my life, there have been several instances where being the “nice” one kept me from getting what I wanted and being perceived the … [Read more…]
Girl bullying takes a toll on the entire family, and it can be difficult to know how best to help your daughter through these painful years. Here are 6 tips to facilitate open communication: Do ask her what she needs from you • Navigating what to say when you first pick her up from school … [Read more…]