My online baby group had plenty of politics, as did the first playgroup I joined. But luckily I realized I had the power of choice, so paid attention only to the fun posts and nice women, respectively. I’ve since found a new mom’s group where I have come across some great women.

But mostly, my relationships with women are of the blogging variety. We get to choose who we read and vice-versa, so people whose personalities, politics, or whatever don’t match ours can be taken off our daily reads. (Although I enjoy reading blogs from people whose ideas, opinions, politics, etc. are different from mine, but the respect is there – it isn’t some catty fight!)

Holly, thanks for the book recommendation – I will check it out.

As an adult, I’ve always worked in groups made up almost exclusively of women. Thankfully–and maybe it’s because I work in a more creative field, vs. a hard-nosed business environment?–I haven’t experienced much bitchiness. I think that’s rare, and I consider myself lucky.

I do like the darts idea. If I still worked in an office I’d introduce that game pronto.

Being an ambitious, smart female is one of the most confusing roles there is. The dichotomy that our mothers told us we COULD be anything, and the truth of what we find when we get there is a hard truth. And women are suspicious of one another – perhaps for good reason at times.

But, you could always look at it from a purely evolutionary stance. As herd females, we must maintain our place in the pack.

I remember as a little kiddle being so hurt when being left out, overlooked, etc. Interesting that while reading this I realized that some of my most distinct memories are of those moments.

I can easily shift to the good memories and realize that I am who I am now because of ALL the experiences. But those “mean” moments sure are (STILL) hard to remember.

I’m glad that you are going to teach Tacy and C.J. that respect and consideration are genderless.

Hh