Statistics have shown that women are harder on other women in the workplace than men.

The same seems to ring true for every day life. Groups of girls are generally associated with so-called “drama,” as opposed to mixed groups of friends. And if I’m being honest, oftentimes that does seem to be the case.

So why is it that girls tend to quarrel so much among one another? I would say part of it has to do with how quick we are to judge one another. But I would also say it is because girls form such strong bonds, and it is often the people who are closest to us who can hurt us the most.

Now, I am not trying to say that girls are the only ones who fight with and judge one another. Guys absolutely do the same thing, but perhaps in a subtler fashion. Unfortunately, in our society, it has become a norm to describe small quarrels between girls specifically as “drama.” The TV and movie industry gives us countless examples of girls fighting over men, or fighting over backstabbing comments– images we have grown up with (Mean Girls anyone?)

Knowing this, I think it is more important than ever that we remember to love and support one another. And, mind you, this doesn’t mean simply swallowing your differences and moving on as if everything is fine and dandy. It means coming out and saying something is wrong when it is, instead of telling somebody else about it. Ultimately, if you care about the person who wronged you, the best thing you can do to mend the harm is to come out and say what happened hurt you. This kind of drama can be constructive, and can actually formulate stronger bonds.

Girls are extremely strong and beautiful creatures who feel things deeply. The bonds we share are so special, and have the potential to be extremely supportive, loving, and meaningful. In a world where sexism does indeed still exist, and where women still are paid less per hour than men, we need those sturdy relationships. We cannot afford to harshly judge one another. But we can afford to give each other a smile, a shoulder to cry on, and tough love when needed.