The Impact of City Girl Culture on Young Women: Unveiling Unspoken Truths
For years, the “City Girl” aesthetic has reigned online: glam, money, soft life, no feelings, and no strings attached. Social media has glamorized the idea of getting the bag, staying emotionally detached, and putting yourself first by any means necessary.
And while parts of the movement were meant to empower reclaiming power in relationships and prioritizing financial independence, it’s now leading a lot of young women into emotional exhaustion, disconnection, and identity loss.
Let’s talk about it.
What Is “City Girl Mentality”?
“City Girl” culture is more than just fashion and luxury it’s an attitude. It says:
Don’t catch feelings
Prioritize money and lifestyle
Stay pretty, play the game, don’t get played
Men are disposable, emotions are a weakness
At first, it can feel fun, bold, and even liberating. For girls who grew up watching women settle or get walked over, it felt like the opposite extreme. But over time, that pendulum swing can come with its own set of consequences.
What No One Talks About
While the “City Girl” mindset promises freedom, many women are left feeling:
Disconnected from their own emotions and desires
Burnt out from trying to maintain a lifestyle they don’t even enjoy
Confused about what real love, friendships, and goals look like
Lonely, even when they’re always “booked and busy”
Real Talk: You can love luxury, independence, and ambition but if it’s all rooted in avoiding vulnerability, it’s going to leave you empty.
What Young Women Actually Need
It’s time to start balancing the narrative. We don’t have to pick between being empowered or being emotional. We don’t have to reject love to chase success. We’re allowed to want both.
Here’s what real growth looks like:
Emotional Intelligence: Learning how to feel and manage emotions instead of shutting down
Self-Worth: Valuing yourself without needing to “win” or “prove something” in every relationship
Inner Peace: Creating a life that feels good offline, not just one that looks good on social media
Healthy Standards: Knowing your worth doesn’t mean using people it means choosing who aligns with your future
Quote to Remember: "Healing isn’t soft. It’s hard and powerful. It takes more strength to be real than to be numb."
Resources for Reclaiming Your Identity
Here are some communities, tools, and resources to help you detox from toxic narratives and step into your soft, authentic power:
💖 Therapy for Black Girls – Find therapists and healing-centered podcasts
💻 The Glow-Up Journal by Kranay – Reconnect with your goals, emotions, and habits that actually serve you
🌸 Sad Girls Club – Online and IRL mental health community for Gen Z and millennial women
How Kranay Is Doing Things Differently
We’re not selling hustle. We’re not selling perfection. We’re selling you back to yourself.
At Kranay, our planners, checklists, and community drops are made for the girls who are tired of pretending everything’s fine. We help you glow up without losing who you are.
Start small with:
Or our “Self Esteem Worksheets” freebie dropping this Friday
Final Thoughts
The “City Girl” mindset might feel like power but if it’s rooted in fear, numbness, and competition, it’s not real freedom.
You deserve more than detachment. You deserve real joy, connection, and peace without sacrificing your standards or your softness.
Here’s to rewriting the script. On your terms. With your whole heart.
