On April 19, 2002, "My Big Fat Greek Wedding" graced us with its presence in theaters. I remember watching it as a child and have loved it ever since it premiered. Although it wasn't until I got older that I started to understand what I was watching a bit better. Not only does this film have a great cast, but it is filled with plenty of laughs as it perfectly captures what it's like to come from a big, crazy Greek family, as well as a heart warming message. In honor of the upcoming sequel, "My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2" coming to theaters this Friday, I've listed the top ten things this movie has taught me over the years. Even if you don't come from a big family and you aren't Greek, there's still plenty of lessons to be learned that are universally relatable.
1. Family is everything
Although Toula and her family don't always see eye-to-eye, at the end of the day you're family loves you and always wants whats best for you. In most cases, they shape you into the person you become and they are your biggest cheerleaders in life. You owe them a lot.
2. You need to put yourself first before anyone else
Toula was not happy with her life nor was she content with just working in her family's restaurant. Even with the risk of making your parents disapproval, sometimes you need to go against the grain and do what's best for you. Ultimately, it's your life. Only then will you truly become your own person.
3. Large families can be both a blessing and a curse
This is pretty self-explanatory.
4. Keeping secrets from your family will most-likely always backfire.
Even more so when you come from a large family like Toula's. Everyone's all "up in your business," but only because they care about you.
5. Embrace your culture
Although Toula has a hard time accepting her own, crazy family and has tried her best her entire life to fit in with the norm. By the end of the film, she embraces it. It's okay to accept and be proud of where you come from.
6. College can be life-changing
For Toula, it was a way to quite literally change her life. Education opens so many doors and helps shape you as a person.
7. A bunt cake can also double as a flower holder.
8. If someone really loves you, they will do just about anything for you
Ian truly loved Toula. He adapted to her crazy Greek family and even got baptized in the Greek Orthodox church for her. If that's not true love, I don't know what is.
9. Windex is the answer to everything
This multi-purpose spray is not just for washing windows. Not feeling well? Have no fear, Windex is here. Woke up with a zit? Put some Windex on it.
10. We're not so different in the end
Despite any differences like the culture you embrace or the heritage you have, or like Gus Portokalos so eloquently put it, like apples and oranges. "In the end, we all fruit."
