The term “girl’s girl” has made its way around the internet for some time now, referring to a woman who unconditionally supports other women. Whether it’s emotionally, financially, professionally or spiritually, your role in girl world is a safe and warm one. You want to see women thrive and love themselves loudly, and are the first one to come to a woman’s defense against a man or structural injustice.

Some girls, however, were raised with the patriarchy deeply embedded in their psyches and unknowingly operate within them. This may look like putting other women down to uplift themselves, upholding antiquated beliefs about women or simply finding it more comfortable to side with men. If you’re wondering where you fall on the spectrum, here are some of the signs that indicate you’re a girl’s girl, which can also serve as tips on how to be an even better one.

Unwavering Loyalty To Women

Women are ultimately human so it’s always important to navigate every situation with discernment, but more often than not, you find yourself giving women the benefit of the doubt. From Megan Thee Stallion’s legal battle against Tory Lanez to Jordan Chiles fighting to retain her Olympic medal, it’s easy for you to trust a woman’s word and support them against the odds.

Healthy Sisterhood

Girls who “only hang out with guys because female friendships are too much drama” are gravely missing out on the magic of true sisterhood. If you connect with your female friends in a way that feels organic and familial, play your part in maintaining the health of those relationships, and generally feel safer in your friendships with women, you’re a girl’s girl.

Anti “Pick Me”

A “pick me” refers to a woman to centers her entire personality through the male gaze. Forming her opinions to meet to approval of men, she’ll often serve as a contrarian to things women typically love, putting them down in the process. From the music she listens to the movies she likes, a girl’s girl is honest about her interests without the pressure to impress men.

You Don’t Compete

When you see another woman thriving, your natural instinct isn’t to tear her down or list all the ways you’re ultimately doing better than her. You publicly celebrate and uplift, and are happy to affirm her beauty, power and worth, even if just through an Instagram comment. Rather than feel resentment or envy, you feel lit up and motivated to be an even better version of yourself, too.

You Support Women

From listening to female artists to supporting women-owned businesses, it feels good to invest your energy and hard-earned dimes back into women. Your support can also be through the simple act of showing up, being front row in the audience to cheer on the women in your life.

You’re a Safe Place for Women

If the women around you feel safe enough to vent without judgment and be their full selves in your presence, you’re definitely a girl’s girl. It’s hard to come clean about your unhinged moments with a girl who will berate you or gossip about it behind your back, but a true girl’s girl will hold space, be a mirror, and hold you lovingly accountable while validating the insanity of womanhood.

You Don’t Gatekeep

From your sacred haircare products to your skincare holy grail, you’re the first to put the girls on when you get asked or find something worth raving about. There’s nothing wrong with wanting a signature scent to yourself, but for the most part, you’re sharing your finds for the good of the community.

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