Girl Code: An invisible book of guidelines that every girl on this planet “follows” at one point in time, created by who the hell knows.

In kindergarten we all had, or even still have, that one friend (we will call her Susan) that talks about liking Tommy or Charlie. She can’t decide, so she’s all like “let’s make a pact, you can’t like either until I decide” and you’re all in your own little world like, “oh my gosh Susan! Great idea, we are best friends, this is so awesome.” And now you and lil’ Susan are practically sisters.

The Girl Code is in full effect by 7^th grade, where you find your “clique” of girls that you will gossip to about your parents fighting, immature boys and the popular girl who rolls her skirt up (#CatholicSchoolProblems). You still have your girl Susan, but you both are older and the situation changes. Susan still hasn’t decided and Tommy starts talking to both of you. First encounter with the “player.” Anyways, who the hell do you think Susan picks now? Tommy. She picks Tommy because he is also giving you attention and not just her. Don’t break that pact, girl, or your best friend will be your ex-best friend and then you’re really going to have to start listening to Jessica and Kate’s problems. So you keep your feelings for Tommy on lockdown and only your pet knows your true feelings.

This junior high clique was where you first discovered trust, two-faced twits, and you’re contemplating on becoming a loner.

Welcome to high school, where all hell breaks loose. Cliques and cliques everywhere. So you made it into a clique and you feel “safe.” Susan goes to a different school now, but you still text, which means you’re now taking applications for BFF status. You and this girl Mary start getting along, okay cool, you got your new partner in crime to tackle high school with. What’s high school without drama and boys? You get your first crush Jake, and you have to run and tell Mary. Mary listens to you, lets you vent to her, shows empathy, and to you, she’s the best friend ever. Until Mary starts saying “he’s not that cute, he doesn’t treat you right, and Austin is so much cuter.” That’s when you discover that Mary likes Jake and has been talking to him behind your back the whole entire time. Upset at your naïve self? It’s OK, you’re still learning others do not have the same morals and values as you.

College: Where some girls have no shame and to each their own. Enough said.

The Girl Code is not an imaginary book of rules that only apply when another woman has done you wrong. It applies 24/7 meaning: If a man is in a relationship, do not be the other woman; when your best friend breaks up with her boyfriend, you do not date him; If your best friend likes someone, like someone else; when your best friend is broken up with, be there for her and not him. Just to list a few.

Ladies, let’s pledge to start honoring the Girl Code.