One of my favorite movies is “10 Things I Hate About You,” the Shakespeare-inspired story about two very stubborn and different teenagers who are brought together simply for the pleasure of others but end up falling hopelessly in love. (I will refrain from making this a plot summary; go watch it if you have not!)
There is one scene that always stands out for most of those hopeless romantic viewers like myself. The part where Julia Stiles pours her emotions in front of her whole class and romantic interest (Heath Ledger, you hunk of man, RIP) after having her heart broken. Most of us girls have “connected” with this part in one way or another. Not so much for the fact she is standing, crying, reading poetry but because she has fallen for the bad boy. For those who aren’t familiar the poem goes a little bit like this…
“I hate the way you talk to me
And the way you cut your hair
I hate the way you drive my car
I hate it when you stare
I hate your big dumb combat boots
And the way you read my mind
I hate you so much that it makes me sick
It even makes me rhyme
I hate the way you're always right
I hate it when you lie
I hate it when you make me laugh
Even worse when you make me cry
I hate the way you're not around
And the fact that you didn't call
But mostly I hate the way I don't hate you
Not even close, not even a little bit, not even at all.”
Besides the fact it’s an awful poem, structurally of course, the meter, count and lack of true rhyme are all off (I apologize I am currently taking a class where we just analyze poetry), it does, however, have a few proper elements, and it’s pretty emotional. I mean, as far as something written by a high school student/ a staff of professional hollywood writers goes, it makes the movie.
Besides that, why is it that we allow ourselves to be drawn in by the people we know to be bad for us? That despite the warnings and clear as day signs, we fall into a trap that 99.99 percent of the time leaves us cradling the Ben and Jerry's Phish Food ice cream.
Is it the hope we can change them? It is the yearning to have something we know we can not? Or is it because we are just that stupid?
It has occurred far too many times, I have had to sit up on the phone with my friends as they vent over stupid boys. Even myself, when I find myself locked in my room because I just want to be alone. Because the truth is not all of these bad boys are Heath Ledger. They won't realize you are the greatest thing life has to offer, which you are, don't forget that. At some point, one of these guys will sneak his way in, and do something amazing then all of a sudden you get a text saying he has a secret girlfriend.
Boy, am I calling you out. While I'm at it, here are the 10 things I love about you and all the other heart breakers out there.
1. I love the fact you have given me the motivation to hit the gym because my body looking good.
2. I love the fact you have given me the time to concentrate on me, the most important person.
3. I love the fact you gave me the chance to move on and find even greater people who make me laugh and smile on a day-to-day basis.
4. I love the fact I have learned it’s OK to slowly make my way into the “pool” instead of diving right in.
5. I love the fact you still try to reach out to me, even when you’re the last thing on my mind. Makes me feel special, kind of. Makes me think you’re pathetic a lot.
6. I love the fact you taught me the difference between saying it and meaning it. Because when someone means it, you can truly feel it, and it’s amazing.
7. I love the fact you gave me a chance to have one of the best “heart to hearts” with the girls I plan to have next to me on my wedding day.
8. I love the fact I daydream about things that are truly meaningful and not silly things like you.
9. I love the the fact I am incredibly happy.
10. I love the fact there is this thing called girl code, and she dumped you.
All in all, here is just a reminder there are people out there who will make each and every day brighter and better than the last! Just because there has been one or two or three horrible guys in your life doesn't mean they are all like that. Remember to never to settle for less than what you deserve. If he hits you with one of the tell-tale signs, run; otherwise, you'll sink deeper into the quicksand.
I’ll never forget when my friend's mom went on a rant how every girl is gold, and he should treat you as such. So, shine on, golden girl, don’t let these bad boys win.
