The year was 1998. Sonny Bono died, Clinton was impeached, the iMac was introduced, and "The Parent Trap" was released on VHS. For those of you who have clearly been living under a rock for the past two decades, "The Parent Trap" is about a set of separated twins who miraculously find each other at summer camp. More importantly, the iconic movie stars Lindsay Lohan (and contrary to popular belief, there was only one Lindsay Lohan in the film).
The two twins, Hallie Parker and Annie James, discover that they are indeed twins when they realize their birthdays are both on Oct. 11.
Being that yesterday was Oct. 11, the twins would be turning 29. "The Parent Trap" is a coming of age film that gave girls of all ages unrealistic expectations that their twin was on the other side of the world, and if they went to summer camp, then they would come across their long lost sister too. In honor of my favorite, fictional twins, here is a list of what "The Parent Trap" taught me.
1. Having a long lost twin is totally, 100 percent plausible.
2. An English accent sounds way better on film than it does when you fake it in person.
3. Everyone needs a secret handshake with their butler.
4. Leonardo DiCaprio is a god and always will be. Period.
5. Oreos dipped in peanut butter is a way of life.
6. Who needs Claire's accessories when you can pierce your own ears?
7. Fencing is a thing?
8. If the Merlot you're drinking is too robust, try a softer California grape.
9. Always, always take advantage of complimentary drinks.
10. Never underestimate an 11-year-old.
11. We will always convince our dads to buy us something we don't need.
"So glad I bought you that personalized stationery you just had to have."
12. Your sister will always be your partner in crime.
13. Crinkling a candy wrapper against the speaker is a foolproof way of ending a call ASAP.
14. Your camp pranks will forever seem mediocre.
15. TRUST NO BITCH.
16. Butlers give great fashion advice.
17. Nothing is worse than missing a life-changing opportunity.
18. Happy endings are indeed possible.
So, happy birthday, Annie and Hallie! Thank you so much for giving me unrealistic expectations for my divorced parents, showing me that, as hard as I try, I'll never be able to prank someone as good as you, and for teaching me that having a "royal flush" will beat your "straight, in diamonds" any day when playing poker.
