I think it's safe to say that every girl (and secretly most boys) have seen "Gossip Girl." What other show delivers drama, romance, schemes, and plot twists in such a nail-biting, watch-the-show-at-least-three-times-over way? None that I can think of.
Of course, it's just a television show and probably not how people actually live, but then watching it we all wanted to be a part of that life. We wanted to be part of a world where wearing a $400 dress was casual and diamonds are gifts that your high school boyfriend would get you as an apology for a fight. Unfortunately for all of us, we can't all spend the summer in Paris or lounge in the Hamptons.
Even though the majority of the viewers don't live the lavish lifestyle, we can relate and learn from the beautiful, charismatic characters of the show.
1. Be your own person!
Never in this show have I seen someone try to take on the persona of another person in the show and it work. Blair tried to outshine Serena and ended up miserable and without a best friend. Georgina tried to be "Sarah" to get Dan to fall in love with her and she was exiled. Jenny wanted to take the place and fill the shoes of Blair as Queen of Constance. She ended up hated by her family and exiled from Manhattan. From these disastrous outcomes, we can conclude that trying to live someone else's destiny is impossible and dissatisfying.
2. Don't settle for a man who doesn't live up to your standards!
Honestly, any respectable woman already knows that settling will end in a miserable life or an unfortunate heartbreak. Blair even sets Chuck to the side when she sees that neither he nor she is mature enough to have a lasting relationship. I feel that a recurring theme of this show is that you should constantly be striving to achieve what you deserve.
3. Don't take everything at face value.
Blair Waldorf is the master of all schemes. When combined with Chuck they are unstoppable. Their habit of creating schemes rubs off on those around them, family and friends. In many of the episodes the plans backfire, yet they continue on and on. The lying and the backstabbing shows us all a lesson many of us have learned with our real life "friends," you can't trust everything people tell you.
4. Live for yourself and those you care most about.
There are countless scenes where Blair, Lily, and all the other upper east siders go out of their way to please society and Gossip Girl. Nothing is more inspiring than seeing Blair and Chuck reveal their relationship at the Saints and Sinners party against advisement. When Lily uses her house arrest to bring the cops to her penthouse throw out the vicious women at the pink party, you fill a sense of empowerment. So many times we live and breathe to please those around us. There are so many pressures from our environments to look, speak, and act a certain way. Put on your headbands and live your life!
