Gossip Girl, the iconic teen show about Upper East Side socialites, premiered 10 years ago this September.
The show ended in 2012, but characters, quotes, and insane plot lines live on. Every Gossip Girl fan seems to agree on a few things: a) Dan being Gossip Girl is equally confusing and infuriating, b) We all need a Dorota in our lives, and c) Blair is better than Serena. For some reason, the world loves to hate Manhattan’s most popular blonde. Don’t get me wrong, I love B as much as the next girl but, Serena Van Der Woodsen had her moments too.
She’s loyal, strong and learned some great lessons because of her numerous mistakes. While we can’t keep up with “the scandalous lives of Manhattan’s elite” on a weekly basis anymore, we can still relive those classic and surprisingly wise moments with these great lines from S.
1. “People don’t tell you who you are. You tell them.”
This may be the most sage advice to come from Ms. Van Der Woodsen. Don’t let others decide who you are and what you stand for. You get to choose your values and beliefs. Even if it goes against everything your family and friends believe, you’re entitled to your own opinions. Don’t let others influence you or change what you think is right. Whether it’s politics, religion, or lifestyle choices, if you’re not hurting anyone or yourself, your choices are valid and right for you. Don’t let others change them.
2. “The hardest thing is watching someone you love, love someone else.”
Everyone has known heartbreak and our favorite New Yorkers are no exception. It is devastating to see your ex move on when you’re still not over them. It feels like everyone is filled with love and happiness and you're stuck with tears and Chunky-Monkey. While it seems like the pain will last forever, you’ll move on in time. You’ll stop eating pints of ice cream for lunch and grow back into yourself again. Eventually, you won’t even bat an eye at the sight or your ex and someone else. But for now, keep the freezer stocked with Ben and Jerry’s (Or fly to Paris like Serena did, whichever works best).
3. “If I cut everyone in my life who made a mistake, I wouldn’t have anyone left”
People mess up. Chances are we didn’t kill someone, sleep with our best friend’s boy and hop a train to boarding school but, we’ve all made mistakes. Make sure to remember that the next time someone screws up. Don’t just cut them off and end a friendship over something that can be worked out. Give second chances and be forgiving. If one mistake deserves a complete cut-off, your list will shrink at an astronomical rate. If S and B can work it out, so can you and BFF. You can’t make it in this world alone.
4. “Earn the spotlight on your own merits. You'll feel better”
If you want something, you have to work for it. Earning something because of someone else never pays off in the long run. The high of your “accomplishment” goes away and all you're left with guilt. Hard work reaps big rewards. There is no better feeling than earning something you worked really hard for. Earning an “A” after hours of studying feels better than stealing the answer key. Put in the time and effort and eventually, things will fall into place.
5. “Find a floatie to talk to, Chuck.”
Serena shuts down Chuck and his obviously unwanted advances with the perfect retort. You don’t have to wait for a friend to save you in a sticky situation. Take control of it. If someone won’t stop bothering you, be straight with them. If you’re uncomfortable or feel in danger, shut it down and get out. It doesn’t matter if he bought you a drink or four, you have every right to feel safe. You don’t owe him anything in return. I’m done with the “I have a boyfriend” lie and I bet Serena would be too.
6. “Dan: You'd really go out with some guy you don't know?” “S: You can't be worse than the guys I do know."
There’s no harm in trying something new. The best way to learn about yourself is to branch out and try new things. Pick up a hobby, go to a new club meeting or take a weird class. You’ll never what sparks your interest. Going outside your comfort zone is the only way to grow. If you don’t give it shot, you’ll never know what you missed on.
