"Lizzie McGuire" was the early teen sitcom every 90s teen needed. It was funny, it was dramatic, and most importantly, it taught all the tragically awkward and lost preteens some valuable lessons about growing up.
Lizzie McGuire spoke our souls back to us, Ethan Craft was our crush, and Gordo and Miranda were the best friends everyone wished they had. From the guest appearance of Aaron Carter to the "The Lizzie McGuire Movie" soundtrack that blasted from our boomboxes for months, "Lizzie McGuire" was an absolute classic. The lessons learned from this show are still relevant almost 12 years after its end.
Lizzie's family taught us that family members will always be annoying...
...but you love them anyway, because they are also usually right (especially mothers)...
...and they will always be there for you.
Ethan Craft taught us that just because a boy is good looking...
...does not mean he is worth your time.
Lizzie showed us that everyone has trouble with their family when they are growing up...
...and that it is okay to admit when you are having a hard time.
She also showed us that love won't always come without pain.
Gordo taught us what is really important...
...and that popularity is definitely not it.
Gordo also taught us that being a good friend means always having your friend's back...
...always going out of your way for them...
...to always be there when they need you most (preferably with food)...
...and to always let them know how amazing they are.
Of course, he also taught us that sometimes, the underdog does get the girl.
But the most memorable and important message that "Lizzie McGuire" gave us was that true friendships are always worth fighting for...
...and at the end of the day, it is the people you surround yourself with that make it all worth while.