Hey, Upper East Siders. Gossip Girl came, saw, and conquered the lives of young Manhattan socialites for six jaw-dropping seasons. There was never a shortage of drama or shock value, and you loved every minute of it. There was only one secret that she never told until the end, but along the way, she taught us many valuable lessons- even if she wasn't trying.
1. Don't change yourself for others.
Little J is the prime example of this. She started off as the girl we all loved: a sweet and talented aspiring fashion designer. As her family life fell apart, she turned to destructive behavior for attention and popularity. In the end, it only led to her exile from the Upper East Side with a side of dark makeup and bad extensions. Just love yourself, because most-likely, we love the real you too.
2. A true best friend will never leave your side.
Serena and Blair were at each other's throats more often than they were buying designer clothes together. However, after a murder, a pregnancy, an ill-fated marriage and dating the same men, they still kept their vow to be sisters. They didn't let outsiders divide them, and they had a deep understanding of each other's strengths and flaws.
3. You can never escape true love.
There was Carter Baizen, Tripp van der Bilt, the professor, the Prince of Monaco- the list goes on and on. Blair and Serena have dated just about every bachelor in Manhattan, but they could never escape the boys who swept them off their feet. Dan was Serena's step-brother for crying out loud (they were dating before their parents' union!) Nothing could stand in the way of Dan's boyish charm and Chuck's striking charisma. If it's meant to be, love will always find a way.
4. When people show you their true colors, believe them!
Cue Georgina Sparks. She went from a scheming, boozed-up girl who was lost in this world to a seemingly devout Christian. However, we realized that it was all an act when she tried to convince Dan that he was her baby daddy. Though little Milo was so precious, he belonged to a Russian convict, and Sparks was never going to be able to escape her life of crime. She even served a stint as Gossip Girl for a bit. Beware of the Georgina's of this world. Do not be fooled twice.
5. The world is your oyster.
Serena worked on a movie set. Chuck owned a hotel. Jenny had a fashion line. Blair took over a fashion house. Nate led a tabloid. Dan wrote a book. Vanessa made a film. These kids were talented, and amidst the never-ending drama, they were always on the grind. They took chances and they protected their interests. No one was going to stand in their way.
6. Family is more than blood.
"Gossip Girl" was all about blended families. From the union of Lily and Rufus came the friendship of Eric and Jenny. Their loyalty to each other was unmatched. After Bart Bass died, Lily became a mother figure for Chuck, as he never knew his biological mother. Cyrus became a shoulder for Blair to cry on after he became her stepfather. Dorota was more than a maid to Blair. She was everything Eleanor Waldorf couldn't be for her daughter. Many characters had been burned by their blood family, but there were was always someone there to pick up the pieces. It is OK to let those people in.
7. We are all Gossip Girl.
XOXO,
GG.
