Since its release on Netflix on August 17th, 2018, "To All the Boys I've Loved Before" became an instant internet sensation. More than that, it became the movie people (mainly girls) are talking about.

But why? "Kissing Booth" was a cute teenage romantic comedy released on Netflix only a few months before.

This movie was different. It resonated with even college girls in a way that "Kissing Booth" didn't quite reach.

Now don't get me wrong, there isn't only one aspect of the movie that is good. The acting was great, the diversity was realistic and the character, from a book and not merely a script, had a depth that some romantic comedies forget to add. The sister-driven plot was encouraging, the nostalgia-driven themes tied with other romantic movies (see the hand in the pocket from "Sixteen Candles" and then "Breakfast Club"-ish ending) really brought self-awareness to a movie that didn't take itself too seriously. And last but not least, the leading actor, Noah Centineo playing as Peter Kavinsky, is incredibly attractive (catch me watching that magical spin he does over and over again).

However, the main reason this movie resonated with the female audience was the main character. Besides her outsider turned cool girl fantasy, which we all secretly had back in the day, Lara Jean Covey, played by Lana Condor, is a girl who imagines her romantic encounters. She writes letters for loves and crushes that she will never act on (SPOILERS) until magically they fall in her crushes' hands.

And while one of her crushes becomes not as compatible as she had invented him to be in her head, and another was absolutely not interested, one was, well... Peter.

As girls become more and more independent, I think the ball is more and more in the girl's court to make a move. Sadly, many girls find themselves unable to make a move. I have no idea if this is from fear of rejection, or unwilling to take that uncomfortable step in their pursuit of perfection.

The lesson if you feel this way (if you can ever find one from a romantic comedy) is this: don't wait for the magic of a movie to pull your plot along.

Do it yourself and get your own Peter Kavinski.