You see, there are certain things in life that just simply… belong to the girls. Not because they have to or because there is some rulebook. In fact, it’s that lack of any kind of written rules that makes those experiences that much more unifying. Somehow, across cities, ages, timezones, and cultures, we all collectively decided, “Yep. This is for the girls.”

So what are these phenomenons, you ask? The list is long, and for some friend groups, the occurrences vary. But the idea is the same: they tap into the shared humor, micro-cultures, nostalgia, inside jokes, and overall sisterhood that women feel when they connect and create.

We’d love to know what you’d add to the list, but here are the things the women of Chatbooks HQ feel are “for the girls”:

• Marco Polo updates that are 8 minutes long
• Or even texting voice memos. There is something about the need to get all your thoughts out of your brain and into the group chat without having to type it out that women just understand. Plus, it’s simply fun to actually hear the update.
• A sweet treat after a meal (even when you’re “too full”)
• There’s always room for dessert! And let’s be honest, we only order it so we can extend the dinner conversation.
• Wishing your friend a happy birthday in person and over text and on Instagram
• We’re nothing if not celebrators.
• Complimenting each other on what we’re wearing and sharing where it’s from
• No gatekeeping allowed for the girls! Is there anything better when someone says, “I love your dress!” and you get to say, “it was on sale!” and immediately drop the link.
• The ongoing group chat with the girlies that has no beginning or end
• Some days it’s all the friends sharing their favorite motivational quotes, and sometimes it’s simply a meme war. The most beautiful thing about the girls group chat is that by just existing and laughing at the text, you get to be part of something bigger.
• The debrief after a hangout or date
• Nothing like the late-night phone call that starts with, “tell. me. everything.” The gals love to step in and support whenever needed, and sometimes you need a little debrief of the hangout just to validate your feelings.
• Having everything you could need in your purse (and then some)
• The feeling when your friend gives you their last stick of gum is true sacrifice. Women are great at holding things–conversations, ibuprofen, one another–and a purse with a bunch of loose receipts and lipsticks is proof of that. Sometimes we’ll even have a little deck of cards or games to pull out just in case the situation calls for it. And we’ll always have our Monthbooks in case we need to share some photos!