If you are a Gilmore Girls fan, you have no doubt heard of the upcoming Netflix revival. Whether you are a super fan or just enjoy the occasional Gilmore banter, we can all agree that this is good news. While we all frantically binge watch all seven seasons, let's take note of the important lessons that Gilmore Girls taught us. Because, in the words of Lorelai Gilmore, "It's not a show, it's a lifestyle".
1. Coffee is a way of life.
The Gilmore Girls thrive on caffeine. Maybe it is the secret to their quick wit, or maybe it is just a full-fledged addiction. Whichever way, the Gilmore Girls make us want us to drink coffee in hopes of one day gaining their powers.
2. It's okay when people don't understand your jokes.
If you've ever watched the show, you'll know that many times the references fly over everyone's head. That doesn't mean, however, that we don't appreciate them. Also, this pushes us to educate ourselves on obscure movies from the 1970's that no one really watched in the first place.
3. Your best friend should be someone who completes you.
Whether talking about Rory's friendship with Paris, or Lorelai's friendship with Suki, the relationships are perfect portrayals of very different people becoming best friends. Paris is neurotic and pushes Rory to be more demanding. Suki is both Lorelai's counterpart in work and social life, helping her work through her problems with an endearing cluelessness.
4. Dating different types of people is important.
Whether you are team Dean, Jess, or Logan, Rory's complicated relationships are an important part of the show. We watch Rory as she grows in herself, and the guys that she dates. Dean is innocent and sweet, but also a little clingy. Jess is angsty and rebellious and reads Kurt Vonnegut novels in his free time. Logan is a spoiled trust fund kid who has a sweet side. Rory learns more about herself by dating all of these flawed-but-lovable guys.
5. Junk food is the best.
Sometimes, you just need to treat yourself. It's important. Rory and Lorelai's diet mainly consists of hamburgers, candy, and breakfast food.
6. Not everyone is going to like you, and that's okay.
While Rory and Lorelai capture our hearts, not everyone in the show loves them as much as we do. Rory never quite hits it off with many of her Chilton classmates and Lorelai's outspoken nature sometimes startles people. However, this doesn't seem to bother them. Not everyone is going to like you, and it is important to accept that.
7. Reading is cool.
Rory Gilmore reads a lot. In fact, she references 339 books throughout the show. Rory says later, in her graduation speech, that she lives in two worlds, one of them being "a world of books". Reading is fun and makes you smarter. What's not to love?
8. Family is complicated.
While Lorelai and her mother love and respect one another, they butt heads in almost every episode. While this is sometimes hilarious to watch, their lifestyles are different and their communication is not ideal. At the end of the day, they know that their relationship will never be perfect but choose to accept that and remember the importance of family.
9. Small towns have their perks.
The fictional town of Stars Hollow is based off of Washington Depot, Connecticut. Stars Hollow is small and quaint, and is always holding festivals and celebrations. The town grocer is also the mayor, and town hall meetings are in regular attendance.
10. Helicopter moms have good intentions.
We've all had a friend with a helicopter mom. She is super strict about curfew, boys, clothes, and pretty much everything. She basically ends up being a huge pain for you and your friends to deal with. But in the end, Mrs. Kim just wants the best for Lane, and so do all the other helicopter moms.
11. Watching movies is an experience... plan accordingly.
Watching movies is an experience that you should fully engage in. Rory and Lorelai had movie nights every weekend, and can rattle off movie quotes on a whim. If you are a person that talks through movies and doesn't pay attention, Lorelai and Rory would probably hate you.
12. Your mother is, and always will be, your biggest fan.
Even if your mom isn't "a cool mom" like Lorelai, you will still never find someone who loves you more than your mother. Mothers love unconditionally and are on your side in every battle.
So, brush up on your hilarious one-liners, drink an unhealthy amount of coffee, and move to a small town on the East Coast and you, my friend, are on your way to becoming a Gilmore Girl. The Gilmore Girls teach us to be unique in a world full of people who are the same. They teach us that you should never let anyone change you. And, most importantly, they teach us to cherish our relationships because, in the end, they are the most important thing.
