364-Greatest Hits: The Good Girl Syndrome

Do you remember being told to be a “good girl” when you were young? And praised for being a “good girl” and punished for not being a good girl? Although socialized very early on as women, to be a good girl this socialization is done with good intentions but it leaves grown-up women struggling and in pain. We are told to be: sexy, but not sexual; skinny, but not to be healthy; smart, but not too smart. The contradictory messages are seemingly endless. We have this duality within us... this need to be a “good girl” while needing to be autonomous, smart and independent as adult women. It’s a contradiction we carry within us that we think is abnormal.... a sign that something is wrong with us. Yet nothing is wrong... we were just socialized to something we cannot be. Being a “good girl” is an impossible standard to achieve leaving us confused, doubting ourselves, and in cycles of shame. What you’ll learn listening to this episode: What is the good girl syndrome Signs that the good girl syndrome is present in your life How it impacts how you relate to food & your body What happens when you say hell no to being a good girl Mentioned on the show: Undiet Your Life