The fascination started at a young age, let’s say the early 2000s. It began with my oldest sister who was an avid watcher of the show. I didn’t know what I was watching (or understand half of the content for that matter) but my cool sister, who rocked ripped flared jeans with high heels a short sleeve turtleneck and pearls-- this was the 2000s, she loved it so obviously I did too. I was hooked. Birthdays, Christmases, and the rather occasional trip to any DVD section, I had completed my eight season set of "Will & Grace."
Now in college and after watching the entire series start to finish an embarrassing amount of times, a day doesn’t go by where I don’t quote "Will and Grace." Just ask anyone I’ve forced to watch the show with me. It’s the only show that makes me laughs until I get side cramps that feel like actual knives and weep like a little kid whose ice cream fell off its cone. As corny as it sounds this 90’s sitcom has taught me so many life lessons. One-liners mean more than I realized, for instance:
1. “Husbands come and go, but the Chanel Slingback is forever.”
That department regarding boys, relationships, and dating well… let’s just say it’s not my strong suit. Shopping, however, is something I do often and quite well. I am at an age now where boys matter, but really when haven’t they? I’ve witnessed friends my age get married already and me? I’ve bought this amazing white blouse from H&M that I could literally wear 1000+ ways. Boys aren’t worth losing sleep over. You know what is worth losing sleep over? An early bird sale.
2. “Honey, I don’t look. I’m looked at.”
This is one of those “don’t go through life unnoticed” lines. We always hear them but how often do we really pay attention to them? Never be afraid to be who you really are especially in college. I’ve had my fair share of embarrassing moments like falling in the middle of campus because I tripped over nothing. Embarrassment aside I know at least one person laugh.
3. “I don’t produce theater. I am theater.”
Believe it or not, by the time I graduate college I may know what I’m doing with my life. Whether it works out that way or not, it’s going to be okay. I have the power to choose my own path and do what I want. I am going to do what makes me happy, as should everyone else. Be who you want to be. Strive to live the life you want.
4. “You know, anger doesn’t really go with what you’re wearing.”
Grudges. Probably the worst thing you could hold onto besides clammy hands. I was a teenage girl not too long ago and I am guilty of wearing my anger. It wasn’t until recently that I’ve realized wearing your anger says a lot about your character. I’ve wasted a lot of time being mad at people for illegitimate reasons when I could’ve used that time to mend the relationship.
5. “My love for you is like this scar, ugly but permanent.”
I’m old enough to know now that love isn’t sugar, spice, and everything nice. I blame Disney for thinking it ever was in the first place. I only have so much love to give, except for when it comes to dogs then the love is endless. Of course, I love my family unconditionally. I’ve learned that love can be expressed in many weird ways and not just by an “I love you.” Have you ever had a friend put gas in your car because you’re so broke and they don’t expect you to pay them back? I’m 97.4% sure that’s true love.
It’s funny the way you look at something in a new light the older you get. It’s even funnier that a show that first aired when I was 3-years-old has taught me so much about life.
