Don’t be a bitch. That’s pretty much common sense – but it also seems to be the overall message of the 2004 star-studded cult classic “Mean Girls”. If you haven’t seen the movie, it goes a little like this: Cady (Lindsey Lohan) moves from Africa to Illinois, where she’s thrown into public school and quickly sucked into a scheme to spy on “The Plastics”, or a small group of popular girls who run the school with attitude and impeccable fashion sense (for that time, of course). Also, if you haven’t seen the film: get out from under your rock. The film has some pretty insane quotes from some pretty dumb highschoolers (for example: “If you’re from Africa then why are you white?”) but there’s a lot to be learned from this movie about all things dating and relationships that anyone of any age can benefit from. Read on for our top 7 nuggets of wisdom.
1. Avoid dating your friends’ ex-boyfriends
While Gretchen isn’t the most reliable source for advice on friendship and feminism, we agree with her on this one. You really shouldn’t want to date them, given there’s probably a good reason your friend and her ex broke up, but if you catch feelings for the guy, it’d be wise to tell your friend. If she’s cool with it (and not just lying to you- you’ll be able to tell) then it might be all right. But 9 times out of 10, stay away!
2. Haters gonna hate
Don’t let anyone, regardless of how much they mean to you, tell you who you should or shouldn’t like, or what you can and can’t do (or who you can or can’t do).
3. People might talk sh*t about you to a potential partner
But most people nowadays know that they shouldn’t trust everything they hear, and will hear you out. Just be prepared to set the record straight.
4. Everyone has been called a slut at least once before
But just know that no such thing exists. You’re free to do whatever the hell you want. And don’t call other girls sluts either. Especially not to a potential or current partner. It makes you look negative and really, really unattractive at every level. How’s that for some rules of feminism?
5. Be yourself
Especially when you’re getting to know someone or dating them. You don’t want to start a relationship as someone you’re not. That’s a lie you’ll have to keep up with and it’s not fair to you or them. Someone will like you for you!
6. Nothing is always sh*ts and giggles
Dating and holding a relationship is work. And there will be times when you just want to bake a cake of rainbows. But that’s neither physically possible nor a valid solution if it were. Just know that there will be times when you want to give up, but remember that you can work through it with proper communication! Then you can eat cake.
7. How many relationships can you have in life?
As many as you need. Do you, girl! Happy dating!
