Lynn is a spontaneous, authentic, free-spirited intellectual. She lives life without boundaries and is always open to new enlightening experiences. Often jokingly referred to as a hoe, Lynn’s in actuality a passionate lover who’s secure in her sexuality and merely looking for a lifelong soul tie. Though Lynn is dependent on her friends, she is always present. Misunderstood but educated. Eclectic but artsy. A procrastinator but courageous. And Nonchalant but grounded.

During last week’s episode, we discussed what our girlfriend Joan Clayton taught us. This week we’re shifting the conversation to Joan’s BFF, the one and only Toni Child’s. Let’s jump into the episode.

Toni is a bougie, outspoken, results-driven fashionista. Her childhood trauma is her underlying motivation to desperately live the life she always wanted but never had, and she finds emotional safety in the material world that she’s created for herself. We all know that Toni can be shallow, but she’s also realistic. Superficial but classy. Boastful but successful. Ambitious but inexperienced. And demanding but consistently herself. This makes me ponder; perhaps Toni is extra confident and self-absorbed because she’s diligently had to learn how to love and value herself. She’s very protective of her heart and often masks her true emotions with a tough exterior. 

Here’s what we can learn from Toni Childs.

Joan is an animated, big-hearted, competitive perfectionist who’s conditioned to operate by the books but privately desires a life fueled by passion and purpose. She’s committed to her morals and loyal to those she loves, as demonstrated through her selfless acts of service. An admirable characteristic that makes her feel needed but not always appreciated. In turn, we often see Joan desperately yearning for the day when a romantic partner would reciprocate the same affection she invests in her relationships— Sending her on a seemingly endless love roller coaster. Though Joan is uptight, she can often be enthusiastically extra. Awkward but genuine; sophisticated but playful. An over-thinker, but mindfully self-aware. And Supportive but a tad bit controlling.

All traits that I — with a halfway cringed face — uncomfortably came to acknowledge that I too possess. Out of all the women, I connect with Joan the most, and that’s why some of her failures felt like they hit a little too close to home but greatly resonated with me. 

During this week’s episode, I’m joined by my older cousin, who’s really my big sister, Brittany Jones. Brittany and I are both avid fans of Girlfriends, and naturally, we’ve indulged in reflective conversations about what we can take away from the women on the show. I’m so grateful to have Brittiany on as my very first guest! But I don’t want to hold us up any longer. Let’s go ahead and see what we can learn from our girlfriend, Joan.