"Gossip Girl" holds a certain intrigue to viewers because of all of its drama and the seemingly unrelatable reality the characters live in. The upper-class parties, scandal, and ridiculous amounts of money are interesting because they're different from our normal reality; they're an escape to a different life. The characters lives are not so out of touch, however, that they can't teach us a few valuable life lessons. Here are a few things "Gossip Girl" taught me:
1. For those we care about, we'll do anything.
The drama and scandal in the show may be unrealistic, but most of it occurs because someone is trying to protect a loved one. They may go about it the wrong way, but it's obvious that the characters care about each other and will do anything to guarantee one another's happiness, even if it means sacrificing their own. Blaire's constant escapades are proof of this.
2. You can't hide from love.
If you feel it, you feel it. It's a strong force and it pulls people together even when they don't want it to. It makes you more vulnerable, but also stronger at the same time. It has the power to break you or transform you. It can bring out your best or your worst. One thing is for sure; there is no hiding from it. Just ask Chuck.
3. Family isn't always blood.
If Lily's five ex-husbands teach us anything, it's that joining a family doesn't make you family. Family are the ones that stand by you, no matter what, and put your interests above their own. The ones that love you and support you, no matter how badly you mess up.
4. Be yourself.
You can only pretend to be someone else for so long before you're not pretending anymore. Popularity and the social hierarchy are not a good reason to be untrue to yourself. If your friends really love you, they'll like you how you are, right Jenny?
5. It's okay to not be okay.
Everyone has their issues, and hiding from them only makes them worse. If you're hurting, don't hide it. Let those that love you be there for you and give yourself time to heal. Chuck can vogue for this one.
6. Jealousy can make people do crazy things.
Whether it's declaring dating FATWA's or purposely ruining someone else's relationship, it pretty obvious that jealousy makes us do crazy things. Careful though, because these things can come back and bite where the sun doesn't shine. Jenny should've known better than to sabotage Serena.
7. Honesty is the best policy.
There are countless lies in "Gossip Girl," and every one of them seem to come to light at the absolute worst time. Save yourself some trouble. Just be honest.
8. It's okay to want more for yourself.
Having high standards isn't always a bad thing. If you know what you want, don't settle for something less. Blaire knows what she wants and goes after it.
9. Don't judge a book by it's earning potential.
Love shouldn't have a price tag. People should be judged by what is on the inside of their hearts, not the inside of their wallets. Your prince could come from the Upper East Side or Brooklyn. What does it matter if Dan's not rich if he makes Serena happy?
10. Never stop trying to improve yourself.
As Serena shows us, our pasts don't define us. We can learn and grow from our mistakes as long as we're willing to own up to them and admit that they were wrong.
