Though the show ended three years ago (has it really been that long!?) "Gossip Girl is still one of the best and most well-known series to hit television. All six seasons are available for streaming on Netflix, and GG still has a huge fanbase. The show was based on unimaginably wealthy characters who lived on New York City's Upper East Side. Even though the show seems unrealistic, it still holds some totally relatable life lessons from which we can all gain.
1. The grass isn't always greener on the other side.
In the course of six seasons, Dan and Jenny Humphrey went from Brooklyn-residing outsiders to permanent fixtures in the Upper East Side social scene. As we all do, the sibling duo originally longed for the life of the rich and famous. Like Jenny and Dan's characters were allowed into the inner circle of the UES, "Gossip Girl" allowed viewers to see what life is like on the other side, and it isn't always pretty. Wealth has its perks, but also its downfalls.
2. If it's meant to be, it will be.
Chuck and Blair's on-again, off-again, on-again relationship was a staple in the series. The two never seemed able to make it work. However, their connection ultimately was so strong that they couldn't be with anyone besides each other. Despite their struggles, it all worked out for this lovestruck pair in the end.
3. Even so, take charge of your life and work for what you want.
Blair is the queen of life lessons. Her character had the most personal growth in the course of the show, going from an entitled and spiteful teen to a more caring adult who worked to achieve success independent from the wealth of her parents. No matter what obstacle Blair encountered, she set her mind to her goal and worked her butt off to get what she wanted.
4. Be with someone who sees how special you are.
The relationships on "Gossip Girl" were all rocky, but they were also extremely passionate. Like Chuck sacrificed everything for Blair, we all deserve to be with a person who devotes themselves to us and treats us as we should be treated.
5. You never know someone's whole story.
SPOILER ALERT! No one saw it coming. When it was finally revealed that, all that time, Dan Humphrey was Gossip Girl, it was a huge shock. This crazy (and at times, not that believable ... really GG writers??) plot twist just goes to show that you can think you know everything about a person, but you never know the whole truth.
6. Keep people in your life who have your back no matter what.
The friendship between Blair and Serena was unbreakable and truly something special. When one was in need, the other would be there for her in a flash, even if they weren't on speaking terms or in the middle of trying to sabotage one another. No matter what happened to these besties, they were there for each other in the end, and those are the kind of friends you want to keep around.
7. Your secrets will always come back to bite you.
In a world where "Gossip Girl" exists, there are no secrets. The lesson here is that, in the end, it's in your best interest to just be honest. Inevitably, the truth will come out somehow and hiding it will cause more harm to you and those you care about.
8. It's OK to be who you are.
The Upper East Side is all about fitting in, but what was great about the characters on "Gossip Girl" was the fact that they all tried to stay true to themselves, even though it was hard. Most of all, Jenny had the toughest time fitting into the UES crowd. Eventually, she realized she didn't need to fit in, because being herself was the best thing she could be.
9. Family comes first.
The families on "Gossip Girl" were nothing short of dysfunctional. From feuding siblings to back-from-the-dead parents, there was always some kind of family drama. That being said, the family members on the show were always there for each other. Lily, Serena and Eric. Rufus, Dan and Jenny. Eleanor and Blair. Family was a first priority on the show, just as it should be in life.
10. Fairy tales don't always come true.
Life isn't easy, and it's certainly not what we read about in storybooks. "Gossip Girl" showed the pitfalls of love and high society. Sometimes, the show portrayed a life that was dream-like (enter Blair's relationship with Prince Louis.), but sometimes was gritty and flawed (enter Louis turning out to be a total dirtbag who tried to control Blair's every move.)
Despite being based on fictional characters with totally out-there lives, the show was ultimately real and honest, which is why we still miss. And we know we will always love it. XOXO ...
