I am not ashamed to say that I still watch the CW. Yes; I am guilty of watching “Supernatural,” “The Secret Circle” (may it rest in peace), and “The Vampire Diaries.” I have been sucked into the cult of hot brooding vampires stuck in high school. While watching the latest episode, I have created five important life lessons we can learn, in order to prove to myself and to others, that “The Vampire Diaries” is just more than a good-looking cast and imaginary drama.
- Be Cautious of the Love Triangle
Since the first episode aired, there has been constant flirting between Elena and the Salvatore brothers, and who can blame her? I know, poor Elena for having two good-looking men to choose from. However, for those of us who have been unfortunate enough to experience a love triangle, let us tell you –AVOID IT AT ALL COSTS. This love triangle can be between friends, enemies, strangers; the bottom line is that it is always messy and confusing. Elena chose Stefan before becoming a vampire, yet I see steamy hook-ups with Damon occurring in her near future. Dear ladies (including Elena) once you decide to be with someone actually be with them, it’s not fair to either party if you keep switching back and forth… and leave Damon to me.
- Blood Ties are Unbreakable
Sometimes it’s a shame that we can’t choose our family. I personally have had numerous fantasies where I traded in a sibling for a puppy. Yet, as much as we complain about being stuck with our relatives, at the end of the day they are there for you (most of them). The Salvatores and the Gilberts both have complicated sibling history. The brothers end up almost killing one another in at least every other episode, and the other pair sometimes can’t put their views aside when dealing with vampires. It is undeniable however, that the siblings love one another and will put their life in danger in order to save the other. It’s safe to say that one motto to sum up “Vampire Diaries” is blood is thicker than water.
- Always Think Before You Act
Ah Damon, when will you realize that your baby blues won’t always make up for the fact that you make rash decisions? It’s understandable you want to be the hero, but please think before you break someone’s neck. At least every character in the show has made an impromptu decision, and it never ends well. In the moment, hasty decisions always seem like the right thing to do. This can range from flirting with another in order to make someone else jealous, to quitting your dream job within the first few days because you had one bad day. The need to think fast and act upon a situation is natural. However, if you take the time to breathe and ponder the situation with a clear mind, everything will fall into place. *[Spoiler Alert] Remember that Elena, before you kill another hunter who could help you find a cure to turn back into being a human.
- Be Wary of Who You Trust Klaus, Katherine, John Gilbert, and Rebekah…the list of untrusty strangers entering Mystic Falls seems to be neverending. It’s nice to take a break from the routine and meet a stranger who tells you everything that you want to hear. In “The Vampire Diaries,” we know a new stranger means someone is getting stabbed in the back. Know who your friends are, and don’t spill out your heart to someone because they are fun and have a nice smile.
- Being an Ex Doesn’t Mean Ex-Communication
The perfect example of this is Matt and Elena. The history between these two is too long to just stop all communication. Matt (who is a sweetheart) is always at Elena’s side, even after she broke his heart and has lied and at times used him continuously since meeting Stefan. However, Elena will protect Matt no matter the cost. The bottom line is that just because a relationship didn’t work out in the past, doesn’t mean it was a waste. Sometimes our exes can be our best and most reliable friends. Memory lane of that person will remind you why it’s worthwhile to have them in your life.
There you have it, five lessons to take away from “The Vampire Diaries.” Now start procrastinating from all the work you have to do and start watching.