Uh oh, another online doozy. It all started with this TikTok video, describing activities like getting a little treat, putting on skincare and shopping as a “girl hobby.” And then it spiraled into this rant about how the OG video is oversimplifying women’s personalities and perhaps contributing to the narrative that women are vapid. We unpack if girl hobbies are just another way for women to relate to each other or if the phenomenon is perpetuating negative stereotypes.

Girl this, girl that! What was once a way for women to bond over the female experience is now causing some concern.

And while we love ice-rolling our faces as much as the next woman, we can’t help but resonate with the discourse. “These are not hobbies.” says TikTok user @raylot. “What is up with this infantilization brain-rot trend that has grown women saying, ‘No I don't need hobbies or personality, because I’m just a teenage girl?’” 

The video continues and we nod along, agreeing with the sentiments that a woman’s intellect is to not be undermined.

But we also sympathize with the backlash. To heavily criticize the creator of the OG video (and to those who enjoy a girl hobby or two) doesn’t feel fair, especially since we did not (for the most part) crucify the creators of “girl dinner” or “girl math.” If anything, we took it as an opportunity to center girlhood and build communities from those convos, and this trend is aligned with that mission.

Yet, with all the buzzy ways of naming these common experiences, we can understand how it can get a bit brain rot-y and warp the original intent of the trend. Women are going beyond capitalistic ways of spending time, and in a world that’s so heavily wrapped up around consumer behavior, it’s a useful reminder to have.

Phew, that was a lot to unpack. TL;DR: Yes, we agree with not infantilizing women or making them out to be one-dimensional characters. No, we don't agree with shitting on women (or their hobbies) in the process. Yes, you can be both kind and critical. No, we don’t think you need to choose between having a personality and liking a little treat. We love little treats.

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Before you put your Slack on DND and slam your laptop shut until Monday, we wanted to help you start your weekend off right. Here, you’ll find your weekly dose of feel-good inspiration. ✨

✍️ Journal prompt: What is a quality in yourself that has helped you through the years?

💬 Quote we’re loving: “Bad news: You’re growing and it’s uncomfortable. Good news: It’s uncomfortable but you’re growing.” — Rachel Wolchin

✉️ Friendly reminder: Healing isn’t linear. If you catch yourself six months post-breakup thinking about your ex or are experiencing feelings of sadness bubbling up from the past, it doesn’t mean the months of therapy, self-care and journaling went to waste. Be gentle with yourself throughout the process—both the highs and the lows. 🤗💗

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