I think I watched "10 Things I Hate About You" for the first time when I was 19 or 20 years old. Humongous mistake. I wish I had seen it before I went through the high school experience because it is incredibly easy to relate to. It's one of those movies that shows you something different every time you watch it. Except Heath Ledger. He's a dreamboat every time.
1. Don’t ever do something just because everyone else is doing it.
I know, this seems like common sense. We’re told this growing up to avoid the more harmful past times like drinking and drugs. But think about how many times you’ve wanted to do something just because you feel like the last one to do it. Make sure that you’re motivations are pure.
2. When someone shows you their true colors, believe them.
The truth always comes out. If someone treats you badly over and over again, maybe they just aren’t a nice person. Don’t make excuses for people that don’t deserve them.
3. “Don’t let anyone ever make you feel like you don’t deserve what you want.”
Only you can decide what you are capable of or what you really want in life. Don't allow someone else's doubts affect your decisions.
4. Don’t judge a book by its cover.
Again, this one is cliché. But take it to heart. Most of the time, the girl that acts tough has just been heartbroken one too many times.
5. “Just cause you’re beautiful, that doesn’t mean you can treat people like they don’t matter.”
This doesn’t just apply to beauty. Just because you might have a higher GPA or are thinner that other people doesn’t make you better.
6. Live up to your own expectations.
We all have goals, but everyone has different kinds. If your parents want you to be a doctor, but you want to be a work at McDonald's, work at McDonald's. You have to live with your decisions.
7. "You can't always trust the people you want to."
This is a terrible lesson to learn, but it's important. This isn't something we outgrow. People can be disappointing. However, most people are good.
8. The people in your life only want to protect your happiness.
I grew up with strict parents. Sometimes it felt like they wanted to keep me from anything enjoyable because that meant that I could be surrounded by inappropriate things. And while I still don't agree with a lot of their decisions, I think it's easy to see that the people that love you just want to keep you safe and happy.
9. Good people make mistakes.
Accept sincere apologies and move forward with kind people.
10. Joseph Gordon Levitt has always been adorable.
Self-explanatory.
