Were you taught to be a good girl? In this episode, I’m getting real about good girl syndrome, good girl conditioning, and why embracing your bad side might be the most powerful thing you ever do. Growing up in Texas in the 70s and 80s, I learned that being a good girl meant staying quiet, looking a certain way, and conforming so people would like me. But here’s the truth: people are going to judge you either way. And the good girl mentality is a recipe for never feeling good enough.If you’ve ever wondered how to stop being a good girl, how to stop being a people pleaser, why you feel guilty setting boundaries, or whether you’re a bad person for saying no, this conversation is for you. I share how I used to fill my journals with self-criticism, why I threw them all away, and how I discovered the power of boosting myself up with positive affirmations, something women are rarely taught to do. We also talk about why so many women get labeled “bad” when they’re simply enforcing their boundaries, how to stop over-apologizing, and how to stand up for yourself without apology.I also open up about the hardest part of my story: leaving my first marriage. I talk about divorce guilt, being willing to be “the bad guy,” facing judgment from others, and the nervous breakdown that came with choosing a life that was true to me instead of the one that was expected of me. If you’re navigating leaving a marriage, starting over after divorce, or the fear of being vilified for putting yourself first, I hope you hear this: you are going to be okay. And if you’re in a dark place, remember the simplest advice that carried me through: don’t do it today. Take a breath, get some sleep, and reach out for support.Embracing your bad side isn’t about being reckless. It’s about self-worth, personal power, speaking up for yourself, and reclaiming your authentic self. Setting boundaries is a muscle, and it takes reps. It’s uncomfortable, but that’s where your power lives. Whether you’re in your 40s, 50s, or beyond, this is your reminder that “bad” and “good” are just labels, and what’s underneath is power. Please remember to rate, review, and follow the show – and share with a friend! Subscribe to the newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/amyedwards/sign-up-to-amys-newsletter Connect with me: All links: amyedwards.info Instagram: @realamyedwards Fight For Her: fightforher.net Youtube: The Amy Edwards Show