May 20

Good Girl Syndrome Awareness Day

Stand up to silent pressures on Good Girl Syndrome Awareness Day—where women reclaim their power, purpose, and true selves.

Yearly Date
May 20
Type
Day
Category
Cause
Creator
Julie Vander Meulen
Founded
2025

Introduction

Get ready to break free and stand tall because Good Girl Syndrome Awareness Day arrives on May 20! This brand-new celebration spotlights a hidden epidemic of silent suffering—one that gnaws at countless women behind their flawless facades. Founded by empowerment coach and thought leader Julie Vander Meulen, the concept of Good Girl Syndrome was born from her work helping women recognize the invisible chains of people-pleasing, perfectionism, and self-sacrifice.

Even though this holiday is fresh on the calendar, its purpose runs deep: to spark a collective awakening and unleash a powerful shift in how women see and value themselves. On May 20, we finally name what so many have quietly endured and honor the courage and self-discovery needed to break free from rules that were never really ours. So get excited—today is the perfect moment to reclaim your authenticity, embrace true fulfillment, and say goodbye to shrinking.

Good Girl Syndrome Awareness Day Timeline

1990s
Early Recognition
Psychologists begin identifying behavioral patterns in girls who internalize pressure to be perfect, obedient, and selfless—often at the expense of their emotional wellbeing.
2010s
Cultural Conversations Begin
Writers, influencers, and therapists begin naming the emotional toll of being the “good girl,” bringing ideas like people-pleasing, burnout, and silent resentment into the spotlight.
2020s
Academic & Cultural Exploration
Researchers and media outlets begin exploring the roots of “good girl trauma” and its long-term impact on women’s mental health, identity, and leadership potential.
2024
Good Girl Syndrome Advocacy Takes Root
Empowerment coach and thought leader Julie Vander Meulen begins spreading awareness of Good Girl Syndrome in the Belgian and French media, sharing a powerful framework for women to recognize and unlearn internalized pressure. Her message rapidly gains momentum across Europe and beyond.
April 4, 2025
Good Girl Syndrome Awareness Day is Born
Founded by Julie Vander Meulen, this international awareness day gives language and legitimacy to a quiet epidemic of perfectionism and self-abandonment—and sparks a movement of truth-telling, self-expression, and radiant empowerment for women everywhere.

How to Celebrate Good Girl Syndrome Awareness Day

1

Reflect on internalized expectations

Take a quiet moment to identify the “shoulds” that have shaped your decisions and behaviors. Write them down, challenge their validity, and replace them with beliefs that truly align with your own heart.

2

Host a boundary-setting circle

Invite a group of friends to explore healthy boundaries together. Practice saying “no,” discuss how to prioritize emotional needs, and support each other in embracing authenticity over perfection.

3

Create a personal manifesto

Craft a bold statement of who you are without the masks or “good girl” labels. Post it somewhere visible to remind yourself daily that your true desires and values matter.

4

Organize a shame-release ritual

Write down any self-criticisms or limiting beliefs, then tear them up, burn them, or toss them away. This symbolic act helps affirm your freedom from the burden of being “perfect.”

5

Celebrate every bold act

Acknowledge each time you speak up for yourself, ask for help, or do something unconventional. These gentle rebellions contribute to a life that honors your spirit instead of conforming to external expectations.

Why Good Girl Syndrome Awareness Day is Important

A

It validates a hidden struggle

This day names what many women silently endure—the pressure to be “good” at the expense of their own authenticity—bringing long-overdue acknowledgement and support to those who feel alone in their struggle.

B

It encourages self-liberation

By shedding light on Good Girl Syndrome, women can break free from limiting beliefs and cultural “shoulds,” giving them permission to explore who they truly are beyond people-pleasing or perfectionism.

C

It fosters empowered connection

Recognizing this silent epidemic helps build understanding and solidarity among women. It opens up conversations about boundaries, desires, and growth, paving the way for deeper, more genuine relationships.

Good Girl Syndrome Awareness Day Dates

Year
Date
Day
2023
May 20
Saturday
2024
May 20
Monday
2025
May 20
Tuesday
2026
May 20
Wednesday
2027
May 20
Thursday