“OMG, HAVE YOU HEARD?”

Local Women columnist Jordan Arnold on why every girl needs to be part of a group chat.

Is there anything better than the group chat with your gal pals?
When you hear the ping of WhatsApp you just know there is something going down!

From late night drama about boys to updates on work scandals and of course baby moments – there’s never a dull moment.

Let’s chat about the five wonderful things that go on in every girl’s group chat – but remember – what happens in the group chat stays in the group chat!

Voting on tough choices –

A group chat is like your own little jury panel of judges. Need to choose between two dresses for the weekend or which photo to post on Instagram? You know you can trust the team to have an answer!

Life advice –

Beyond assisting with matters of ‘Is this or that?’, a group chat is a safe space for friends to offer each other pearls of wisdom on everything from the trivial everyday problems to monumental life matters.

Scandalous updates –

Let’s face it, there’s not much that’s more thrilling than the text of “OMG, have you heard about…” where you’re going to hear the tea, or even more exciting, the voice note recording. You know it’s time to grab the popcorn and settle in for the goss.

A much-needed laugh –

If something hilarious or embarrassing happens, where else are you going to broadcast it other than in the chat? Between memes, personal anecdotes, the mention of fashion meltdowns or even poorly fashioned me, the laughter emoji gets its fair share of use.

Ranting when you need it most –

When something (or everything) is grinding your gears and rubbing you up the wrong way, you can guarantee a sympathetic audience and comrades who’ll totally validate your anger – even if you’re being a little over-dramatic. The group has your back, get it off your chest.

Photo swapping –

Even if you personally haven’t documented a special moment or a night out or social occasion you’ve been to together, someone in the chat will have snapped one. The one with the cute candids you need, for posterity and to prove you were there.

Pep talks when you need a boost –

Whether you’re doubting yourself before a date or job interview, dealing with a tricky situation, or just having one of those days, the group chat is where you’ll find your personal squad ready to remind you who you are. They’ll voice notes telling you everything that is good and right about you, and resend the perfect mix of inspirational quotes and top knot selfies to get you back on track.

Easing hangxiety –

Woke up with the fear? You’re not alone. Your girlfriends are there to offer reassurance with photo evidence that no, you weren’t that wreck; it’s someone reminding you that you were actually really funny or sent a voice memo, or a late-night snack saying, “Babe, no one remembers the sobbing,” to help balance out the wine-scrambled version your brain. Plus, someone will definitely confirm the dress was the right vibe, was in fact, iconic and not a disaster.

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