I have a guilty pleasure- I like to buy overpriced drinks from my own workplace because it’s cash so “it doesn’t count”.  Or when I pay with card- it’s basically free because I won’t have the opportunity for a proper meal, so the money cancels out. At least that’s what I tell myself because it’s an example of the new phenomena, girl math.

There has been a crashing pretty-pink tidal wave filled with bows and pearls of these girl trends like “I’m just a girl” or girl math. Other trends are girl-adjacent like “When you yell at me, this is who you’re yelling at” or “I need a boyfriend so I don’t need to overthink”- and I totally get it. I love buying shiny things, doing glittery makeup, and validating my irresponsible choices (like spending an absurd amount of money on matcha and bubble tea) with my youth. However, this wave leaves me a little seasick.

To me, these trends encourage young women to not take accountability for their actions and at an extreme- ignore school. When girls see this it could persuade them into not caring about or desiring an education along with glorifying childish behavior and irresponsibility. I mean, how many potential female scientists, surgeons, and politicians are being lost to the idealization of being constantly treated like a spoiled princess?

These trends can push traditional gender roles and unrealistic expectations. Young women want to be financially taken care of by their partners and avoid working-  which can mean not being on equal footing- which seems to undo decades of progress. Girls are being discouraged from working hard in school, getting higher education, and venturing into male dominated fields. Because why get an education when someone else can just pay for your every desire without you even lifting a finger?

People also don’t realize that being a housewife or stay-at-home girlfriend is not easy for many and often can create a power imbalance and financial dependency. The women on social media who promote this usually have the ability to opt out, whereas most lower class women in these situations find themselves stuck or vulnerable. 

Overall, the most important takeaway is that it’s not one or the other when it comes to being girlish and being intelligent or responsible. I can make questionable purchases, while still earning my own money and learning how to save and budget it.