The Dark Side of Being a “Good Girl” in the Digital World

Veronicca Obsidian

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We were raised to be “Good Girls.” We followed the rules. We met every deadline. We smiled through uncomfortable meetings. We became experts at anticipating everyone’s needs except our own.

In the corporate and digital world, this is a superpower. At least, that’s what they tell you. But there is a dark side to being the reliable one. There is a high price for being the girl who never says no.

The Excellence Trap

The “Good Girl” doesn’t just do the job. She seeks perfection. In the digital space, this is exhausting. You aren’t just competing with colleagues. You are competing with algorithms and 24/7 connectivity.

When you are a “Good Girl,” your worth is tied to your output. You become a high-performing machine. But machines don’t have souls. Machines don’t get tired. Eventually, the very traits that made you successful start to hollow you out.

The Invisible Tax

Being the “Good Girl” comes with an invisible tax. It’s the mental load of being “likable.”

• You soften your emails so you don’t sound “bossy.”
• You take on the “office housework” that others ignore.
• You stay silent when you should speak up, fearing you might disrupt the peace.