New research has uncovered the secret sisterhood code – from unspoken eye contact to bathroom solidarity – and the ways women support each other every day. A survey of 2,000 women revealed the 'sisterhood code' often involves grasping what another woman needs without her having to voice it explicitly. This can include giving a look to someone who needs rescuing from a conversation or doing a daily 'are you okay?' check-in.
Top 20 Signs of the Sisterhood Code
The top 20 signs that you are a card-carrying member of the 'sisterhood' include tucking in someone's clothing label, alerting a friend to a wardrobe malfunction, and refusing to go to sleep until every friend has made it home safely. Other hallmarks include letting someone know there is no loo roll in the cubicle (41%), discreetly sorting out a wayward bra strap (37%), and sharing items like tissues, plasters, safety pins, phone chargers, and hair ties.
Unspoken Communication
The study, commissioned by Maltesers, also found that 37% of women share an unspoken form of communication with their closest female friends, while 68% can hold an entire conversation using eye contact alone. According to the poll, the average woman will carry out something embodying the 'sisterhood code' three times every week. A third believe the code plays a vital role in daily life, with 44% linking it to support and 23% to loyalty.
A spokesperson from Maltesers said: 'These moments might be subtle, but they speak volumes.' The places women are most likely to use this covert communication include bars or nightclubs (36%), public toilets (26%), and the workplace (22%). When experiencing the code, 77% of those polled said it improves their day.
Shared Language
The spokesperson added: 'Whether it's a glance, a gesture or a quiet step-in, the sisterhood code is a shared language that shows up in everyday life, reminding women that they are rarely facing things alone. It reflects an unspoken understanding as well as a powerful mix of emotional intelligence, intuition and mutual support that plays out daily, often without anyone even realising.'
Top 20 Secret Signs of the 'Sisterhood Code'
- Doing the quick 'Are you okay?' check-in
- Complimenting someone's outfit
- Giving a look when someone needs rescuing from a conversation
- Tucking in a clothing label
- Telling someone if there is no loo roll in the cubicle
- Warning of a wardrobe malfunction
- Telling someone if their makeup is smudged
- Telling someone if they have something in their teeth
- Sharing a smile to boost someone else's mood
- Passing a tissue, plaster, or safety pin when needed
- Fixing a bra strap, dress zip, or necklace clasp discreetly
- Never being judgemental
- Helping lift a pushchair upstairs or off public transport
- Going to the loo together on a night out
- Holding someone's place in a queue
- Protecting a female colleague in a meeting when it is getting frustrating
- Distracting a friend's kids while she is trying to concentrate
- Letting someone borrow your charger or power bank in an emergency
- Offering a hair tie or bobby pin when someone needs one
- Not going to bed until every member of your group has messaged to confirm they have arrived home safely
