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What makes women special? Perhaps it’s true that they’re made of sugar, spice and everything nice. Or it could be their unwavering dedication to anything they set their minds to. Or maybe, it’s the fact that they follow a strict code that unites them all together. 

Women on Reddit have recently been sharing sacred, though often unspoken, laws of “girl code” that they would never break. We’ve gathered their rules below, from helping out any woman in need, even if she’s your enemy, to putting friends before men. This list is a crash course in how to be an ally to all women. So enjoy scrolling through, and be sure to upvote the pieces of girl code that you wouldn’t ever break either!

Discover more in “Always Play Along”: 40 Women Reveal The Strict Rules Of Girl Code That They’ll Never Break

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#1

Young woman in a beige sweater showing a strict girl code rule by crossing her arms in an X sign indoors. I won't date or sleep with your ex, even if you say you're ok with it.

Edit: Please stop replying to this comment that you think it's ok to do. I don't care. The question asked the code that *I* follow. I don't care if you follow it or not, I follow it. That's it.

NeedsItRough , kues1 / freepik (not the actual photo) Report

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    #2

    Two women laughing and carrying shopping bags, illustrating the strict rules of girl code they always play along with. If a random woman I do not know comes up to me and starts talking to me as though we’ve been homies for years, then we’ve been homies for years.

    I’ve had quite a few women come up to me and my friends for safety to get away from someone. I will ALWAYS play along.

    AnxiousTelephone2997 , Getty Images / Unsplash (not the actual photo) Report

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    #3

    Restroom sign with illuminated male and female icons on a glass panel in a modern interior setting representing girl code rules. I am a middle aged woman who was at my doctors surgery waiting my turn. Saw a much older lady in a wheelchair with a man old enough to be her son with her. She looked distressed but it was a doctors surgery so I did not think much of it. I then realised that the lady was trying to make contact with me - she gestured towards me - took me a while to realise - so I went over . She asked me to accompany her to the toilet. The gentleman with her was her son and she was embarrassed. She sobbed because she was so relieved that a woman realised her situation- she did not want her son in the toilet with her. This is the code we should never break - no matter how old you get - let’s hope a sister is there to help you keep your dignity.

    RANDOM_PERSON648 , Possessed Photography / Unsplash (not the actual photo) Report

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    To find out how this thread started in the first place, we got in touch with Reddit user Lady_Opiniosa. She was kind enough to have a chat with Bored Panda and share what inspired her to start this conversation.

    "I was having a chat with my colleague, and she said something like 'she won't break a girl code over some boy,'" the author noted.

    We also asked if there were any girl code rules that she would never break. "There are many, but I will list a few," she said. "First, no dating taken men. Second, helping out with creeps and predators is a must. Third, helping out with period-related concerns is non-negotiable."

    #4

    Two women in denim jackets sit closely, one comforting the other who looks upset, illustrating girl code support. One of my girl code things from way back:
    If a guy cheats on me with a girl and she didn't know about me when it happened, then she and I are not enemies. It's 100% on him and not her. I met one of my best friends this way. She had no idea about me and she apologized to me when she found out. Like girl, I don't want to fight you, and now he has two women mad at him. He did us both dirty.

    _Death_and_Gravity_ , myoceanstudio / freepk (not the actual photo) Report

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    #5

    Young woman with glasses and scarf in a store, representing women revealing strict rules of girl code they follow. I always tell a woman if I think an item of clothing or hair style or hair colour or accessories look stunning on her. I lack positive feedback in my life so much that I just want to give it - yes girl, I love your shoes, they look awesome on you and pair well with your clothes. Lady, your absolute mane of red hair is gorgeous, have a great day, I wish I could paint you! Miss, your red earrings complement your white hair so well, lovely detail!

    And then I smile and leave because I'm a straight married woman that just wants to show a little appreciation for the details that people put in their appearance. It's a shame not too many people do that in a way of pure aesthetic appreciation.

    Elegant_Yellow_402 , Benjamin Sow / Unsplash (not the actual photo) Report

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    #6

    Group of women dancing together in colorful lighting, highlighting the importance of girl code and strict friendship rules. If I see a super drunk or incoherent girl being led somewhere by a strange man, that's my friend. I'll get her home safe, thanks.

    Secretary-Visual , freepik (not the actual photo) Report

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    Finally, we asked the author what she thought of the replies to her post. "I absolutely enjoyed reading through the comments and replies," Lady_Opiniosa said. "I was so happy that women were coming forward and most of us agree on the same things. I also felt bad that some guys were unable to handle those types of conversations."

    #7

    Young woman holding a tampon, illustrating key girl code rules women say they always play along with. If someone asks for a pad/tampon and you have a spare? You. Give. It. To. Them. Doesn’t matter if they’re your No.1 enemy. You give it to them.

    thatsimsgirl , gpointstudio / freepik (not the actual photo) Report

    #8

    Young woman in a pink blazer thoughtfully choosing clothes, illustrating the strict rules of girl code women always play along with. Visibly overwhelmed mom at the store? Offer help or reassurance that she’s doing a great job.

    The day before Christmas Eve I did this to a woman in line at the grocery store
    with two toddlers, an overflowing cart at the front of the line, and realization she’d forgotten something. I asked her if I could run and get it as a friend could hold my spot in line. The place was packed. I came back with a green onion cheeseball, picked up a dropped toddler shoe, and let her know she was doing great. She crumbled into tears. Moms support moms. Always.

    Bulky-Incident7454 , garetsvisual / freepik (not the actual photo) Report

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    #9

    Woman with finger on lips signaling silence, illustrating strict rules of girl code and trust among women. Even if we aren't friends anymore, I'll never spread your secrets. They go to grave with me one day as I promised.

    beaniecult , Sasun Bughdaryan / Unsplash (not the actual photo) Report

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    #10

    Woman's hand holding a gas pump nozzle fueling a car, illustrating trust and support within girl code rules. Several years ago I was getting gas after going to the dog park. I remember seeing a lady who happened to be there getting gas. As I was coming back outside she starts talking to me like we know each other. We start talking about our dogs and stuff. After a few minutes, she thanked me saying some creepy guy wouldn't leave her alone.

    Empire-Carpet-Man , Getty Images / Unsplash (not the actual photo) Report

    #11

    Woman in plaid shirt sitting at kitchen counter, focused on phone, illustrating strict rules of girl code loyalty. I will never give out someone's contact information without their permission.

    owlmissyou , Curated Lifestyle / Unsplash (not the actual photo) Report

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    #12

    Three women toasting drinks together, celebrating friendship and the unbreakable rules of girl code loyalty. No woman left behind. Ever. It’s a broad one that covers a lot;
    1) walking *all the way inside* during a drop off to home
    2) we came to the bar together, we are leaving together
    3) we didn’t come to the bar together, but you’re clearly drunk and alone and I found you? We’re together until I find you a safe person or you sober up
    4) you’re being harassed? Hey girl! It’s been so long, how are you?
    5) there’s a physically dangerous situation I see happening? I’m intervening. Sometimes if I’m smart I’ll call cops first. I’ll be honest though, in an emergency the most responsible and logical move of “calling cops *first*” doesn’t kick in until it’s over.
    6) I will 1000% make ***everyone uncomfortable*** to protect someone from a bad situation.

    I teach my sons these rules, too. I don’t want them caught off guard when other women do this for each other. I also want them to protect their friends - male and female - that they go out with or happen upon while out.

    LyannasLament , OurWhisky Foundation / Unsplash (not the actual photo) Report

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    #13

    Woman holding coffee cup talking to man in casual setting illustrating girl code rules women always play along with. If a guy asks when a female coworker gets off work or whether she is working today, I've never heard of a living soul by that name. If she wants you to know, you'll know.

    AbstruseAlouatta , freepik (not the actual photo) Report

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    #14

    Close-up of a woman with tears, expressing emotion related to strict rules of girl code she won’t break. Never leave a woman behind.


    A few incidents spring to mind, the time I saw a woman alone crying, cornered by two men outside at night, I put myself between the woman and the 2 blokes, walked her to a nearby club with doormen, called her a taxi and paid for her to get home.


    Saw a woman being mugged in the wee small hours of the morning, a group of about 5 or 6 blokes were on the opposite side of the road and ignored the whole thing & walked off, so I ran down the road to her, stayed with her to try and comfort her until her husband arrived.


    I know I've not made the smartest moves in these situations, and it could have gone very badly, but not leaving a fellow woman alone in a situation that could or already has escalated to physical harm is deeply ingrained .

    MedicalCook6653 , goffkein / freepik (not the actual phoot) Report

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    #15

    Hand with red nails holding a perfume bottle, representing the strict rules of girl code women always play along with. If another woman asks me for the name of my perfume/where I bought my dress I will always tell her.

    Gives me the ick when people gatekeep those things.

    Silver_Photograph_92 , Laura Chouette / Unsplash (not the actual photo) Report

    #16

    Two women shopping together, one smiling inside fitting room, illustrating strict rules of girl code loyalty. If any women asks me to do a “check” with their pants , I’ll always check. I’ve had strangers ask before and I’ve had to ask strangers.

    mfdragons , Andrej Lišakov / Unsplash (not the actual photo) Report

    #17

    Neon male and female restroom symbols on a purple concrete wall highlighting strict rules of girl code. I was in a public restroom the other day and went into a stall where the door wouldn’t lock, and a girl standing in the restroom just came and offered to hold it closed for me lol.

    whalehell0 , freepik / freepik (not the actual photo) Report

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    #18

    A woman explaining strict girl code rules to a distressed man as they look at a phone together. If I know another woman's SO has cheated, I'm telling her. Doesn't matter who she or the cheater are to me.

    Standard_Vero , simonapilolla / freepik (not the actual photo) Report

    #19

    Young woman at airport holding tickets and bag, illustrating the strict rules of girl code women always play along with. Met a girl in an airport in NZ who was scammed out of a ticket on a fake airline website. English wasn’t her first language. It was March 2020 so the airport was chaos, everyone trying to get home, flights getting cancelled as counties were closing borders. I stayed with her as long as I could going counter to counter trying to sort it out before I had to run to my gate for my flight out. I couldn’t help her more than that but sometimes girl code is just making sure another woman isn’t alone when it gets really scary. She did get it all sorted out and got back home.

    Lustylurk333 , Getty Images / Unsplash (not the actual photo) Report

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    #20

    Two women wrapped in gray blankets, smiling and chatting outdoors, illustrating the strict rules of girl code. If a girl compliments me, I will smile and compliment her back.

    CSIFanfiction Report

    #21

    Young smiling man and woman posing outdoors, highlighting trust and respect relevant to strict girl code rules. If a girl brings her new beau to the group, you only ever tell stories which show her in the best light possible, even embellishing slightly to make her shine. Leave all the embarrassing stuff out and if anyone else in the group tries to bring it up, you shut them down. Never be a crab in a bucket.

    lodav22 , krakenimages / freepik (not the actual photo) Report

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    #22

    A woman listening intently during a conversation, illustrating the importance of girl code and strict personal rules. 1. Never hit on your (girl) friends' male interests or boyfriends.
    2. Never use something said in confidence "against" them.
    3. Your friends hold a special place in your life and heart that is only theirs and should remain theirs, unaffected, even when you have a family, husband or kids.

    Apart_Mine_9133 , Curated Lifestyle / Unsplash (not the actual photo) Report

    #23

    Young woman in dark sweater leaning against brick wall, reflecting on strict rules of girl code she values deeply Believing them when they say they were victimized. I mean, I believe men too because it affects everyone.

    Snarky_Artemis , The Yuri Arcurs Collection / freepik (not the actual photo) Report

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    #24

    Young woman looking upset in the mirror, illustrating emotional struggles related to girl code rules and friendships. If a woman is crying in the bathroom, she gets a hug (if she wants).

    jesusherbertc , freepik (not the actual photo) Report

    #25

    Two women smiling at each other in a cozy room, illustrating the strict rules of girl code and friendship loyalty. My house is available for you at any time.

    You need a night away from toxic family? Your living situation is tied up with a bad partner? You want a spot that's just quiet and you don't want to interact with me at all? You didn't plan on getting drunk while you're here but now you are? Your house doesn't have aircon and it's hell degrees outside? You just want company or a cuddle or somebody to lend an ear and a shoulder while you cry?

    Even if I'm not home, if I get that call, I'm telling you where my spare key is and mi casa is su casa.

    bindobud , bramjanssens / freepik (not the actual photo) Report

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    #26

    Woman with curly hair using smartphone at a café counter, reflecting on girl code rules and friendships. If a guy messages me and I've seen evidence that they already have someone I will screenshot and ask if they are in an open relationship.

    KittenNicken , Ilyuza Mingazova / Unsplash (not the actual photo) Report

    #27

    Man arguing with upset woman who avoids eye contact, illustrating a breach of girl code strict rules and trust. Getting involved with someone who's already taken. I've always walked away no matter how much i liked them or even when they begged me to stay.

    roseslilylove , Drazen Zigic / freepik (not the actual photo) Report

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