Do You Have it? How To Change It.

According to a hit song from the 1970s, “Good girls don’t.” Unfortunately, many women fall victim to this negative attitude, resulting in personal unhappiness and lack of fulfillment.

Do you find yourself falling into the good girl syndrome? Here’s a look at common symptoms and how to break free from the trap.

What Defines a “Good Girl?”

The seeds of good girl syndrome are frequently sown in childhood. According to a Stanford University study, desirable traits in women include warmth, loyalty and cheerfulness, while men are expected to be assertive, independent and dominant. Many parents nurture these corresponding characteristics in their sons and daughters.

While parents want the best for their children, they place a high value on being accepted by society. In the case of daughters, parents mistakenly put an emphasis on attaining goals by being a people-pleaser.

Behaviors in “good girls” usually includes:

Ultimately, subverting your own feelings and goals is a recipe for disaster. “Good girls” who accommodate the wishes of others before their own end up feeling frustrated and resentful.

Breaking the Cycle

Yes, good girl syndrome can be beat. As with most habits that have built up over several years, changing this behavior calls for determination and focus.

Here are some helpful tips:

Remind yourself each day of affirming thoughts as you sip a warm cup of tea or coffee in the morning. It also keeps cold drinks cold!