SPOILER ALERT

Seriously, don’t read this article until you’ve watched the whole season.

After noticing several enticing ads for Netflix’s new show, Girlboss, I finally pulled the trigger and watched an episode. Scratch that, I watched all of the episodes in just two days (if college has taught me anything, it’s how to successfully binge watch)! As someone who loves watching shows with a strong female lead, this show completely captured my attention.

For those who have not watched Girlboss and have decided to forgo my warning, Sophia Marlowe, played by Britt Robertson, is a young woman living in San Francisco during the mid-2000’s. In every quick thirty minute episode, Sophia tries to discover what it means to do what you love. In a trial-and-error approach to starting her own business, it is hard not to find similarities between her life and your own. Whether she’s living the life you have always dreamed of or encountering situations you hope to never experience, Sophia is easy to connect with. Although her life is disorganized and sometimes cringe-worthy, through dry and often crude humor, one cannot help but fall in love with her.

Which leads us back on track and ready for the review I promised you. During the season finale, Sophia unexpectedly discovers that her uber sexy drummer boyfriend Shane is cheating on her. This shocking twist not only devastated her, it devastated us as viewers. After falling in love with his ability to show endless compassion and care for Sophia, this cheating scandal hit like a ton of bricks. However, what really got to me was not when Sophia initially found out, it was when Shane came over weeks later to discuss the incident and bring closure. As the short scene showed hours of yelling and crying, I became so incredibly protective over Sophia. Everything inside of me felt that she was going to forgive him and forget the whole thing ever happened. However, this never happened. Instead, she said her goodbyes and let Shane leave.

This exact moment was when I decided that every young women should watch Girlboss. To learn what they deserve.

So often in our culture women are told to forgive and forget when we are cheated on. This cycle ultimately teaches women to devalue their worth as they allow themselves to be walked over. In doing so, I personally have seen so many otherwise strong women blindly take back those who have deeply wounded them. Sophia didn’t do that. She loved Shane, but knew she couldn’t stay in the relationship anymore.

I believe that more young women need to learn from Sophia’s strength. I believe that they need to learn their true worth, if only from a fictional television character.