Good girl syndrome: The result of being raised in a sexist and patriarchal society that values women who are: compassionate, warm, friendly, agreeable, and soft-spoken... aka the "good girl". Good girl syndrome aims to maintain the patriarchy and power difference between men and women by convincing women we have to be "good girls" in order to be valued and accepted by those around us. Good girl syndrome is the reason why women feel bad speaking their mind, disagreeing with men in positions of power, being sexual, saying no to others, and having boundaries.
We can't say "no", or we're labelled as "mean". We can't call out sexism, or we are labelled unable to "take a joke". We can't be sexual, or we are labelled "slutty".
Good girl syndrome is so ingrained in us, we find ourselves feeling guilty, ashamed, and embarrassed for doing the same things men are applauded for every day: Setting boundaries, being assertive, saying "no", prioritizing ourselves.
Let's change the narrative that we are meant to be "good girls". Let's call it what it is: a syndrome. I created this shirt in the hopes that when you wear it someone will say, "What's 'good girl syndrome'?" and you'll be able to tell her what you always wanted to be told yourself. That women can be whoever we want to be.
XOXO,
A Good Girl In Recovery, A Therapist Who Sees A Therapist, and Dealing With Feelings CEO: Emily Cooper
Black: 100% Airlume combed and ring spun cotton
Heather stone & dark grey heather: 52% Airlume combed and ring spun cotton, 48% poly