A word of advice: don’t be my friend.
It’s not that I don’t want to be your friend, but I just suck at it. I am the literal worst at answering texts and returning phone calls. Trying to make plans? Forget it. I think someone cast a magic spell on my social life making it to where, as of late, something always seems to happen with school or my anxiety rendering me incapable of going out in public. I am hermit lady, effective especially during this semester.
Yes, I realize that this is not a healthy way to live, but I am working on it.
It was one of those rare (but hopefully becoming less rare) moments where I was texting a friend from high school. We both share an obsession with "The Mindy Project" and she told me to check out a show she had been watching.
And thus began my 36-hour binge-a-thon session of watching "Broad City."
"Broad City" is a gem of a show that I do not think could exist in any other time than right now and also is a show that I think should be required viewing for every 20-something girl. It is smart and quirky and unusual in a charming sort of fashion. "Broad City" showcases the charming absurdity that super duper best friends Abbi and Ilana face on the daily in New York City. It is a show that I find difficult to explain, so take my word for it and just go watch the hell out of it. Amy Poehler is one of the producers of the show, so you know that it has to be super good.
Now entering possible Spoiler City.
Abbi and Ilana’s friendship is the hallmark of the show and what many viewers to be the most compelling and drawing aspect of the show. They have the kind of friendship that any viewer can look at, admire, and desire to emulate. It is a real and genuine friendship that leaks love and silliness from its pores. In the world of "Broad City," nothing matters more to either of these girls than their friendship.
That’s the first lesson that "Broad City" taught me: a good friend is your greatest asset. A good friend is like having an unlimited supply of Bed Bath and Beyond coupons. A good friend helps you embrace your body and will eat a food that they are allergic to just because it’s your birthday and it's what you want to eat. In addition to that, a good friend will also Hulk-carry you out of said restaurant after they accidentally miss and stab themselves with your Epi-pen post-allergic reaction meltdown. "Broad City" has shown me that a good friend will be there for you during the best and worst times, even when life gets a little weird. Your best friend is your partner in crime, and your ultimate sidekick in fighting misogyny.
You will achieve your goals, but sometimes it just takes time… and sweat. Lots of sweat, at least in Abbi’s case. Your job may seem to be a dead end, but you never know when life is going to turn your days around and you reach your dream, be it personal training or not. Life morphs in sometimes unconventional ways, but we should welcome these changes and appreciate the possibility of our lives changing for the better.
"Broad City" has shown me what I believe is the most-effective way to respond to catcalling:
…and also how to catcall. Gender role reversal, baby.
A few more lessons taught, including proper, discreet storage (between your boobs or other less-than-conventional areas), and that one should not string people along sold me on "Broad City" as being one of the greatest shows on television right now. But the real reason that "Broad City" is a treasure is that it teaches the importance of loving yourself. If you don’t love yourself, how can you expect to love others? If you don’t respect yourself, how will you be able to be a good friend and respect your friend for the diamond that she is? Self-love is the most important part of being a good friend.
Maybe my binge-watching session of Broad City will help me be a better friend, at least that is the best that I can hope for. The lessons that litter this show go far beyond the ones I have extracted, but go see for yourself how truly remarkable this show is.
Binge on, ladies. Your friends will thank you for it.
