Cassie Did What?!... The Lost Art of Girl Code

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Heartbreak is arguably one of the worst feelings anyone could endure. That gut-wrenching pain of watching your partner hurt you is unforgettable. It’s a pain that we all loathe entirely and avoid at all costs. Unfortunately, heartbreak is unavoidable. We all face this suffering at one point or another, and even if you haven’t, I regret to inform you that it will happen. Sometimes, it doesn’t necessarily need to be an actual breakup that causes your heart to shatter; toxic relationships break your heart, too, only in a slower manner. Break up or not, we anticipate our best girlfriends to be there through it all. They are the shoulder we cry on, our free therapists, our personal hype houses, and so much more. They are the last people we would expect to stab us in the back and add to the already agonizing mental pain. But, sadly, this happens more than you would think, especially in the current era.

The groundbreaking show Euphoria depicts the story of relevant struggles teenagers face, such as drug and alcohol abuse, sex, and toxic relationships. However, this current season has taken a shocking turn of events. Cassie Howard, Maddy Perez’s best friend, has been having an affair with Maddy’s on-again-off-again boyfriend, Nate Jacobs. Maddy and Nate have been through hell and back together—constant arguing and making up—and as sickening as it is to say, they are in love, in a really weird, disgusting, and unhealthy way. Therefore, Cassie’s responsibility as her loyal best friend is to support Maddy through her relationship troubles. In the first season, Cassie did her job very well, but now what is she doing? She’s sleeping with her best friend's boyfriend. I’m queasy thinking about her and Nate, aren’t you?

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Euphoria takes real-life situations young people experience and translates them to film, which is why the show has become such a hit because it is relatable. It’s scary to admit that this drama-ridden show is so realistic. I have trust issues with my best friend now, and rightfully so! My question to society is, where has girl code gone? Following the rules of girl code, the last thing you are supposed to do when your friend goes through a breakup is f*** their ex. As time has progressed, people like to argue that girl code “promotes ownership over others,” which I think is bullshit, or maybe I’m just old-fashioned.

Floss Knight, the founder of UK Therapy Guide, recently shared her thoughts on the art of girl code with Cosmopolitan, stating, “The girl code narrative leaves little space for friends to have open, honest, empathetic conversations about love. Every relationship is so nuanced and unique; the “girl code” does not account for that.” Undoubtedly, as time goes on, different trends and ideals become outdated. However, girl code is a concern regarding respect; it is beyond discourteous for Cassie or any other girl to get involved with their close friend's ex, especially when the situation is still fresh and nowhere near resolved. So, Cassie, let Nate and Maddy resolve their issues, and then maybe try having an honest conversation with your “best friend.” It is important to at least look for the person’s approval before moving forward in a relationship with someone who once hurt your best friend very badly; otherwise, it’s just plain awkward. The sneaking around is unnecessary and makes situations like these even worse. Although I do not necessarily agree with sleeping with my friend's exes, I understand that there are certain circumstances where girl code can and maybe even should be broken. But, there is one part of girl code that I will always stand by: being truthful with your girls.

Part of a friendship is loyalty, and there is absolutely nothing loyal about tiptoeing around with your best friend’s ex. Sadly, this is very prevalent today, so, ladies, please give the girl code book another read or two. I’m not saying you need to follow every specific aspect of the girl code, but everyone should always follow specific unwritten rules like truthfulness. Cassie, take a page from the girl code book and read it… religiously.

Strike Out,

Writer: Lili Jahromi

Boca Raton

Lili Jahromi is a Content Writer for Strike Magazine. She spends an unnecessary amount of her time idolizing Lady Gaga, sharing intimate moments with her friends, and beachin’ it with her b*tches. You can reach her at jahromilrose@yahoo.com