10 Life Lessons From “10 Things I Hate About You” Which You Need To Hear About
Start writing a post
Student Life

10 Life Lessons From “10 Things I Hate About You” Which You Need To Hear About

“I know you can be overwhelmed, and you can be underwhelmed, but can you ever just be whelmed?”

209
10 Life Lessons From “10 Things I Hate About You” Which You Need To Hear About

It's no surprise that "10 Things I Hate About You" rocketed to cult status after its March '99 release. We'll never forget Ms. Perky (and Reginald's bratwurst), Kat's seemingly endless arsenal of bombastic comebacks, and the infamous "belly" Bianca is forced to wear.

Beneath that, there's a ton we can learn from this movie about independence, relationships, and how to shed your people-pleasing ways. Read on for 10 quotes from the iconic flick, each with a lesson beneath (hint: #10 is pretty exceptional).

"I guess in this society, being male and an asshole makes you worthy of our time." (Kat)

Giphy

Here, and in every other one of her lines, Kat calls it like it is. Speak your truth.

"Hello, Katerina. Made anyone cry today?" (Kat's Dad) "Sadly, no. But it's only 4:30" (Kat)

Giphy

Kat's brutally honest, and really brave. Don't be afraid to make the Joey "Eat Me" Donner's of the world cry once in a while.

"What is it, Asshole Day!" (Kat)

Giphy

Following this quote, she literally backs into—and smashes—Joey's car. Epic move, and we can learn that a little breaking the rules is okay if you're making a larger point, and standing up for yourself.

"People perceive you as somewhat..." (Ms. Perky) "Tempestuous?" (Kat) "Heinous bitch is the term used most often." (Ms. Perky)

Giphy

Screw caring about what other people think. Just like a tomato could be called a fruit or a vegetable, some will perceive you as a "heinous bitch" and others as a smart, firey individual.

"You don't always have to be what they want you to be, you know?" (Kat) "I happen to like being adored, thank you!" (Bianca)

Giphy

Enter two different perspectives—Bianca sees the obvious benefits of conforming, and Kat sees only the deficits. Ultimately, we humans will bounce between these two opposites—and that's okay. You can want to be liked but also want to break away.

"Was that a yes?" (Patrick)"No." (Kat)"Was that a no?" (Patrick)"No." (Kat)

Giphy

Kat does an excellent job of "the chase."

She makes Patrick want her even more by denying his every approach—except for a few small instances such as these, where she keeps his 'flame' lit with ambiguity. She's not saying yes, which would be her ceding control, but she's not saying no either. Take notes.

"Just 'cause you're beautiful, that doesn't mean you can treat people like they don't matter." (Cameron)

Giphy

Here, Cameron criticizes Bianca after Bogey Lowenstein's party, where it becomes clear she was using him, and only liked Joey.

Tell people how you feel. And call them out if need be.

"Don't let anyone ever make you feel like you don't deserve what you want." (Patrick)

Giphy

No explanation needed. Do you, boo.

"You know, there's a difference between like and love. I like my Sketchers but I love my Prada backpack." (Bianca)

Giphy

This is just a fun one...but hey. Keep conversations light sometimes, because the heavy stuff is a lot to carry.

"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 it makes me sick; it even makes me rhyme. I hate it, 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 it when 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.

Giphy

You can be so strong that nothing shakes you. But it's okay if something does.

Remember that you are not the summation of what other people think of you. Read Sylvia Plath, stand up to a bully. Blow off boys all day, then kiss one. You can break, and then remake, your own box. Or screw the box—just like Kat.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
the beatles
Wikipedia Commons

For as long as I can remember, I have been listening to The Beatles. Every year, my mom would appropriately blast “Birthday” on anyone’s birthday. I knew all of the words to “Back In The U.S.S.R” by the time I was 5 (Even though I had no idea what or where the U.S.S.R was). I grew up with John, Paul, George, and Ringo instead Justin, JC, Joey, Chris and Lance (I had to google N*SYNC to remember their names). The highlight of my short life was Paul McCartney in concert twice. I’m not someone to “fangirl” but those days I fangirled hard. The music of The Beatles has gotten me through everything. Their songs have brought me more joy, peace, and comfort. I can listen to them in any situation and find what I need. Here are the best lyrics from The Beatles for every and any occasion.

Keep Reading...Show less
Being Invisible The Best Super Power

The best superpower ever? Being invisible of course. Imagine just being able to go from seen to unseen on a dime. Who wouldn't want to have the opportunity to be invisible? Superman and Batman have nothing on being invisible with their superhero abilities. Here are some things that you could do while being invisible, because being invisible can benefit your social life too.

Keep Reading...Show less
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

99016
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments