There’s something bittersweet about growing up as a girl. When we were little, friendships felt effortless like magic. You could walk up to another girl on the playground, ask “Do you want to play?”, and suddenly you were best friends for the next hour… or the next five years. There was no overthinking, no judgment, no hesitation. Just connection.
But somewhere along the way, something shifted.
Now, introducing yourself feels like stepping into a battlefield. You smile at a girl your age, and she gives you a dirty look. You try to start a conversation, and it feels like you’re interrupting something. You think you made a friend, but she only needed help with an assignment. Someone says they want to hang out, but they never text you again. It’s like everyone is guarded, suspicious, or already exhausted.
And honestly? It hurts.
Girlhood used to feel united—like a secret club where we all understood each other. We shared snacks, secrets, dreams, and fears. We cried together, laughed together, and protected each other. There was a softness, a gentleness, a loyalty that felt sacred.
But now, it feels like many girls are competing instead of connecting. Talking behind each other’s backs. Letting guys get between them. Acting cold or distant. Choosing image over intimacy. And the saddest part? Most of us don’t actually want to be this way. We’re just scared.
Scared of being judged. Scared of being used. Scared of being the one who cares more.
Growing up adds layers—insecurities, social pressure, comparison, fear of rejection. We start worrying about how we look, how we’re perceived, whether we’re “too much” or “not enough.” And instead of reaching for each other, we pull away.
Real girlhood isn’t about matching outfits or aesthetic trends—it’s about connection, empathy, and shared experience. It’s about knowing another girl’s heart because you’ve lived pieces of the same story.
Maybe girlhood isn’t gone. Maybe it’s just harder to find because we’re all a little bruised. Maybe the girls who give dirty looks are just scared. Maybe the ones who seem fake are trying to survive. Maybe the ones who pull away don’t know how to trust yet.
What do you think happened to Girlhood?
Lovely Entry and i totally agree, I longue for a group of friends like the ones that only seem to exist on the big screen... Tho, I've realized that we all (especially women) became a little to self aware, top scared to say the wrong thing ( a lot of it is unfortunately out of our control...the pressure of wanting to be loved and socially accepted leaves little room from authenticity or connection) but I know there are many beautiful souls out there craving the same thing it's only a matter of finding the right crowd!! And blogging seems like a wonderful way to connect with like-minded whimsy women 🩷
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