At the time that it first premiered, Sex and the City was absolutely revolutionary. There was a reason it quickly because everyone's favorite show – or their favorite guilty pleasure. A lot of the exploits we saw were somewhat outlandish, but Carrie, Miranda, Charlotte, and Samantha still managed to be the separate archetypes of Everywoman, if you will. Mind you, you'll find that I totally agree with some of the lessons the girls tried to teach … and totally disagree with others. So, in talking about the actual series, rather than the movies, here are 9 things I think SATC tried to teach us.
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Labels Matter
How Carrie could have money for all those shoes, but typically couldn't afford a cab across town, I'll never, ever know. Naturally, this is one of those lessons with which I don't agree. Labels aren't that important (no matter what Fergie sang for the movie). I know living in NYC is like living in another world, and I know that has to account for some of it, but I think sometimes – just occasionally – money for cab fare is a teensy bit more important.
Sex Can Be Casual
I think this is actually a good lesson for women. Not all women will want to practice it, but knowing it is important. A lot of us aren't into casual sex, and that's totally cool. But SATC's most important lesson in this regard was making us realize that we don't have to beat ourselves up if we happen to have a one night stand or a casual encounter. Sex does not always equal love – but that doesn't mean you're automatically in danger of adopting Samantha's lifestyle. And, for that matter, although you might not agree with it or do it yourself, the Samantha's of the world aren't heartless or whorish or awful, they just do what they want to do.
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Women Need Other Women
This is one of the most important lessons SATC taught its female viewers, I believe. You need female friendship. Sometimes it's hard to remember how important it is. Women fulfill something for each other, whether they are simply friends or even if they are lovers. The bonds between women go deeply and they flower, as you can see with--
Your Girlfriends Will Always Be There
If you have very good girlfriends, nothing will stop them from supporting you. You may have fights and arguments and disagreements, you may go without speaking for each other, but you will not break up with your BFFs for good – not if they're truly your BFFs.
You're Beautiful in Anything – Even a Tee Shirt and Tutu
I believe one of the most profound lessons SATC tried to teach women is that they are beautiful no matter what. You should love every inch of your body and have confidence in it; you should believe that you can pull off any outfit – even if no one else in the world likes it. If you do, if you think you look good, and if you feel beautiful in it, go for it.
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You Can Explore Your Sexuality
In fact, you should explore your sexuality – and no, that doesn't mean you have to have a casual relationship to do it. The women of SATC are profoundly sexual, albeit in different ways – but even innocent, naïve Charlotte and serious, straight laced Miranda explore their sexuality, finding out what they like, what they don't like, and what they want.
You Can Always Find Love
No matter what your age, no matter what your philosophies, love can be waiting for you. Even Samantha found love, and she didn't even believe in it! Some of the girls found love several times over, some of them had storybook romances, and some of them got the run around a dozen times over, but they found love – even in the city.
It's amazing what you can learn even from shows that are, outwardly, simply supposed to be entertaining. But there are life lessons everywhere, if you're willing to look deeply. What kind of lessons do you think SATC tried to teach?
Top Photo Credit: dark angel1992
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