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

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.

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

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.

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.

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.