Dec 25/Jan26 Aspire Magazine FULL Issue | Page 30

30 www. AspireMAG. net | December 2025 / January 2026

THE GOOD GIRL GROWS UP:

R eclaiming Sovereignty in Midlife

BY DR. MINETTE RIORDAN

Do you struggle with being the“ Good Girl”?

I spent much of my life trying to be good. The kind of good that gets praised and promoted, picked for leadership roles, and patted on the head for being responsible, reliable, and agreeable. I was the straight-A student, the helpful daughter, the peacemaker friend.

30 www. AspireMAG. net | December 2025 / January 2026