Ever Get a Takedown Letter? How did You Respond?

Ever been on the receiving end of a takedown letter? You know, the resentment-filled, fault-finding, I’m-telling-you-this-for-your-own-good written summary of everything your girlfriend dislikes about you?

The first one I remember receiving was in fourth grade when my best friend Julie and I were on different kickball teams, and mine won. As we walked back to the classroom from the gym, I couldn’t figure out why Julie wasn’t by me. Then, when we were back in the classroom and I was in my chair changing into my street shoes, Julie walked past me and dropped a folded-up note on my desk. I can still feel how hot my face burned when I read:

I looked up just in time to see Julie glaring at me and then quickly sitting down in her chair. 

My rift with Julie didn’t last much longer than an hour or so because I sent a note back to her saying I was sorry. She turned around and nodded, and that was that. 

This wouldn’t be the last takedown letter I’d receive, which meant it wouldn’t be the last time I’d blame myself for pushing a then-friend to unload her frustrations on me. 

What about you? How do you handle takedown letters? We want to hear from you. Write to us at info@mygirlfriendships.com, and let us know if you’d like us to read it on the podcast. We promise to keep all identifying details confidential.

Takedown letters are the main topic of our September 10 podcast segment, Friendship Fizz with Loopie and Liz. Listen to hear the doozie of a letter Lisa (aka Loopie) received from her friend, and the advice Liz gives her to heal from this “downright raunchy and cruel” missive. 

Let’s Go

My Girlfriendships® has one goal: to connect a global community of girlfriends and help them strengthen their relationships with each other. We believe (because we’ve experienced it!) that the best way to do that is by going on a trip with your besties.

Well, we’re here with incredible news! As part of the My Girlfriendships community, you now have access to one of the very best travel professionals we know: Courtney Norris of Bespoke Travel, LLC. (Cue the confetti and streamers!)

Starting here on our website, it’ll take you only three clicks and you’ll be on your way to planning your next girls trip:

1. Click Shop at the top of our home page.
2. Click Book Your Trip. After you read a bit about Courtney and Bespoke Travel,
3. Click the Book Here at the bottom of the page and you’re on your way! 

What are you waiting for? Call your girlfriends and say, “Let’s go!”

Let’s Eat

No takedown letter drama here. This list is only the things that will make you and your girlfriends feel nothing but satisfied. We love Indiana Potato Salad, a delicious, (slightly more sophisticated) twist on the picnic classic. This one is baked and uses cheese and bacon. Who doesn’t love bacon?! 

Ingredients for 16 | Multiply by degree of hunger, divide by number of girlfriends!

PREP TIME        BAKE TIME        TIME UNTIL YOU SAY, “LET’S EAT!”

20 minutes        60 minutes        80 minutes

Ingredients

•     8 baking potatoes, peeled and cubed

•     1 cup mayonnaise

•     8 ounces cheese of your choice, cubed

•     1 cup chopped onion

•     8 ounces sliced bacon

•     6 eggs, lightly beaten 

Directions

Step 1 

Preheat oven to 350º.

Step 2
Place potatoes into a pot and fill with enough water to cover. Bring to a boil and cook until easily pierced with a fork, about 12 minutes.

Step 3

While the potatoes are boiling, cook the bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crisp. Drain and break into large pieces.

Step 4

Drain and pour into a 9x13 inch baking dish.

Step 5

Mix with mayonnaise, cheese, and onion.

Step 6

Place bacon pieces on top of the potatoes.

Step 7

Bake for 1 hour in the preheated oven until cheese is browned.

Step 8

Serve and enjoy!