GIRLS NIGHT OUT

If you were alone in the woods would you rather encounter a bear or a man? As a woman this hypothetical question makes me contemplate the safety measures that girls have to make on a day-to-day basis. I have personally found in my life that I feel the safest around my girl group. Social media platforms have proven that this is a universal experience for most women. Being with my girls creates a safe space to escape and enjoy the small things, like experiencing a night out; however, the main event is getting ready with your girl friends. These small expressions of girlhood create the bonds that last a lifetime, from sharing makeup tips to scream-crying to Taylor Swift, each step to a girl's night is carefully crafted to create a safe environment for everyone to be themselves and celebrate each other's individual strengths. This all starts with the group chat. 

THE PLAN: (aka group chat) 

The plan is the foundation of the night. This is where the events of the night are discussed and sorted out. Where are we going, whose house are we getting ready at, what are the vibes, who will be there. Whether it's outfits to be coordinated or where one of our exes will be the night of and where to avoid, this chat is pivotal to the success of a night. I would give examples, but that would break girl code. ;) 

THE GRWM: (aka the pre-game) 

This is where the meat of girlhood comes in on a night out. There are many different types of ways to get ready. I myself am a hair, makeup, outfit girl. (Iykyk) Being in a group of girls with different techniques actually comes in handy. You will notice each others strengths coming out at this time. My strength is makeup, all my friends gravitate to my makeup products and they know they never have to ask me to use something. You better believe this is a full blown event with music blaring and gossip spreading. Getting ready together is where us girls feel safe to talk about anything and everything, and of course make rules for the night ahead.

THE DANCE FLOOR: (aka the real reason we go out) 

Once you have established your group and are at the location of the night, STAY TOGETHER. You walk into the bar and you make a lap to note what is happening and where each "character" outside of the group is. (meaning exes and potentials) When you are ready to get drinks, it is known within the girl group that we look after each others drinks. This is one form of security that is provided within girlhood. The main event, and where you will always find me, is the dance floor. From far away the dance floor may seem self explanatory, but it is not. When you are on the floor you are having the time of your life, but you are also protecting your girls from surrounding people. As women we all know about the dance and shuffle when an unwanted *cough* man *cough* comes up behind one of the girls. This is the true essence of girlhood, it is not something that has to be discussed but is known. 

THE MUNCHIES: (aka Whataburger) 

This one is pretty self explanatory. After you and your girls have danced the night away, it is time to grub. Eating can be a sensitive topic for a lot of women, but this meal is one that you are never judged on. The whole group looks forward to this as soon as you get into the bar. Sitting inside while waiting for your order to come gives the group the opportunity to try and sum up how the night went with each other. This is always where we gage whether our 5 step skincare routine will get done or if it is a makeup wipe kind of night. 

THE DEBRIEF: (aka the morning after) 

The sacred debrief is a judgement free zone of the actual outcome of the past night. Did everyone follow the rules they made the day before? Most likely not, but you will never be judged for that. Just know that this is the time anyone can say anything and see if each others stories sync up from the previous night out. It is basically free therapy for the girls. Now I apologize, but I can't say much about the debrief. (girl code is real) 

Now you know some of the secrets to a girls night out and how girlhood is encompassed in each step. There truly is nothing like experiencing getting ready with your girl group. The safety that is felt within the group is something that cannot be pretend and practiced. Girlhood is knowing that you will always be there for your friends in what can be unsafe situations and knowing they will be there for you too. This is one small way us girls can bring little spouts of joy to mundane life activities. Now, if you were to ask me if I would rather be alone in the woods with a bear or a women, I know my answer. 

Drew Bryant