The Dos and Don’ts of Girl Code
From friends to men, these are the rules every girl should abide by.
1 / 10
On Dating and Hookups - There's an unspoken code every girl must abide by to survive "girl world." We've gathered the most important rules no woman should ever break when it comes to friends, men, sex and more. By Jazmine A. Ortiz Dating or hooking up with your friend’s crush, ex-boyfriend, ex-husband or even the hot barista she saw on this morning’s coffee run, who she’s convinced is her future husband, is a huge no-no. In general, whoever says, “Hey, I think that guy’s cute,” first, automatically has dibs on the man-candy, and if that happens to be your friend — well, nobody ever said girl code was fair. (Photo: tunart/Getty Images)
2 / 10
On Your BFF's Enemy - You may have heard that if your friend is on the outs with someone, it is your duty as a friend not to fraternize with the enemy. But making unnecessary foes is not the route to take. Since you are an adult, you can dictate your own relationships and you don't need anyone to do so for you. The cardinal rule here is to never, EVER bring up your friend or their drama so you stay clear of gossip territory. Loyalty to your girl doesn’t mean you have to “hate" said person. It just means not be their new bestie if you’re trying to keep your old bestie. (Photo: Rainer Holz/Corbis)
3 / 10
On Bathroom Trips - If you didn’t already know, lavatory trips are for juicy gossip, momentary lapses of sanity, makeup checks and the occasional wiz. Because we’re females, it’s only natural that we’d need a group effort for these types of situations. So, if your girlfriend is signaling you for a potty run, get with the program because A) you’re in store for some serious drama or B) she needs someone to make sure her mascara isn’t running. Either way, it’s a crisis. (Photo: JGI/Jamie Grill/Blend Images/Corbis)
4 / 10
On Dieting - We diet, that’s a fact. And sometimes we make diet pacts with friends for support (or extra pressure, depending on how you look at it). But what do you do if your friend breaks? A wise, old saying comes to mind, “Hear nothing, see nothing, speak nothing.” If your girl decides she’s had her fill of kale salads and chia seeds and wants to dive into a big, greasy cheeseburger, well that’s her prerogative. Your job is to sit back and never acknowledge there was a diet in place to begin with. No one likes the “calorie police.” Then after all is said and done, encourage her to continue her goal to a healthier lifestyle. (Photo: Hill Street Studios/Blend Images/Corbis)
5 / 10
On Being Drunk - Take “drunk shifts.” Here’s how it works: Before you get to the club, give your friend the heads-up that tonight you’re going to drink. This way she’s prepared to watch your back. It sucks to be the one babysitting the drunken friend at the party, but it's all about making sure she's safe on the dance floor and safe getting home. Plus, the next time you're wasted, your friend will do the same. (Photo: mediaphotos/Getty Images)
ADVERTISEMENT
6 / 10
On Dealing With Trash Talkers - If you’ve ever found yourself caught in conversation where another person bad-mouths your friend, your initial reaction might have been to speak up in favor of your friend and then run and tell your girl the slander that was committed against her good name. You’re only trying to be a good friend, right? Think again. This can lead to even bigger issues (not to mention throwing yourself directly into the eye of the storm). Next time, just excuse yourself from the conversation and tell them it’s none of your business. If it isn’t absolutely necessary to tell your friend the news, refrain from adding fuel to fire. (Photo: Jose Luis Pelaez Inc/Blend Images/Corbis)
7 / 10
On Secrets - This one is simple. Never spill your best friend’s secrets. Your bestie should feel comfortable enough to talk to you about anything (no judgment allowed), and keeping her trust should be a priority no matter how hot her secret might be. And keeping secrets is a two-way street...they should always remain between you two only. (Photo: MGP/Getty Images)
Photo By MGP/Getty Images
8 / 10
On Frenemies - Learning how to be cordial with someone you don’t necessarily feel warm and fuzzy about is a fact of life. So, instead of giving your “evil” co-worker who talks ish about you behind your back the side-eye, just smile and keep it cool. It’s all about avoiding drama. (Photo: Getty Stock Images)
Photo By Getty Stock Images
9 / 10
On Sex - When it comes to sex, friendships are a no judgment zone. If you’re down to chat about your bedroom sexcapades, your friends are there to lend an ear. And when it comes time to hear about their romp sessions, practice the same courtesy they’ve given to you. Whether she’s had one sex partner or 20, listen, relate if you can, and if she asks for your advice, give it. (Photo: Peathegee Inc/GettyImages)