1.5K
ER❓WHY are girls so mean?
❓Why do some resort to gossip, exclusion, name-calling, or social maniplation?
❗️Jealousy and power are the two most obvious and common explanations, but there are three more factors that drive the meanness we call Relational Aggressions.
1️⃣ A desire to belong - girls want to feel a sense of connection and belonging and when that desire feels threatened some will react through acts of RA.
2️⃣ An underdeveloped EQ- Teens do not yet know how to process or make sense of complicated feelings like jealousy, insecuirty, or embarassment. Without the skills to express those feelings in healthy ways, they will often go to something that feels safer or easier- it’s easier to give the silent treatment than admit to feeling hurt. It’s easier to name-call than admit to being threatened.
3️⃣ Cultural pressures and expectations- From social media to school, the pressure to be pretty enough, popular enough, successful enough can lead to competition and comparison.
Relational Aggression thrives in that kind of environment because girls see each other as rivals rather than allies.
✨If you’re looking for more insight into girl friendships and how to support your daughter through complicated social challenges, visit my blog at InspireBalance.com or send me a DM with your questions.
#meangirls #relationalaggression #friendships
@erica_rood_coach
