Check In On Your Strong Friends: They Need You Too
Hey GRLs,
We all have that one friend—the one who seems to have it all together. The one who’s always smiling, always showing up, always making it look easy. She’s the one people turn to when they need advice, support, or just a boost of energy. Maybe that friend is you.
But here’s the thing: Even the strongest people struggle. Even the ones who never complain, who always seem in control, who encourage everyone else—sometimes they’re the ones who need a lifeline the most.
Strength Doesn’t Mean Invincibility
Being a female student-athlete means constantly pushing yourself—to excel in school, perform in your sport, balance your responsibilities, and be there for your team. It’s a lot. And for those who naturally take on the role of “the strong one,” asking for help can feel impossible. They don’t want to burden anyone. They think they should be able to handle it alone.
That’s why checking in on your strong friends is so important. Just because someone looks like they’re doing fine doesn’t mean they actually are. They might be struggling in silence, waiting for someone to notice, to ask, to remind them they don’t have to carry everything by themselves.
How to Show Up for Your Strong Friends
Ask the real questions. Instead of just “How are you?” try “How are you really feeling?” or “Is there anything on your mind lately?”
Listen without trying to fix. Sometimes, people don’t need solutions; they just need someone to listen and validate their feelings.
Remind them they’re allowed to struggle. Strength isn’t about never having hard days—it’s about knowing when to lean on others too.
Be consistent. One check-in is great, but make it a habit. Keep showing up for them, even when they say they’re fine.
Create space for vulnerability. Let them know they don’t have to be “on” all the time. Share your own struggles, and remind them that it’s okay not to be okay.
You Never Know What It Could Mean
A simple text, a quick call, a moment of genuine connection—it could be the thing that reminds someone they’re not alone. It could be the reason they feel safe enough to open up. It could be exactly what they needed but didn’t know how to ask for.
So today, take a second. Think about that friend who always seems like they have it together. Reach out. Check in. Let them know they’re seen, they’re valued, and they don’t have to carry everything alone.
You never know how much it could mean.
You got this, GRL.
