There's a cliche that female friendships are always competitive & toxic but that's just not true. Clem explains why to this listener. Today Clementine answers: - I have moved overseas and realised I'm wary when coming into new female friendships. After a long-term housemate and a woman I've had a decade-long friendship with regularly "pulled me down a peg", I can't shake feelings of inadequacy. I also grew up in a household where both parents did this as one of their multiple means of control. After years of therapy I am able to reconcile being raised by narcissists, but I'm finding it extremely hard to let go when it comes to these women. How can I portray to potential new female friendships that there's no need to engage in any form of competition? I'm desperate to reduce the risk of this happening again. Do you have any strategies when handling these situations?  If you have a question for Clementine, send an email to <a href="mailto:dearclementine@novapodcasts.com.au">dearclementine@novapodcasts.com.au</a>  CREDITS  Executive Producer: Edwina Stott  Audio Production: Adrian Walton  Managing Producer: Elle Beattie  For more great Nova Podcasts head to novapodcasts.com.au See <a href="https://omnystudio.com/listener">omnystudio.com/listener</a> for privacy information.

Dear Clementine

I've Never Had Positive Female Friendships. How Do I Find Them?

In need of a little guidance? Desperate for some advice, but too afraid to ask your friends? Award winning author and proud feminist Clementine Ford is here to help. Whether you've got a question about family, career, sex or friendships Clementine is the sister you always wanted, the mum you never had, the aunty who always listened and the friend who's got your back. Dear Clementine is a podcast packed with advice you may not want but you definitely need.