Edited by Jasmine Ryu Won Kang
In season 4, episode 1 of Sex And The City (SATC), Charlotte York said “Maybe we can be each other’s soul mates. And then we can let men be just these great, nice guys to have fun with.”
If you are familiar with SATC, you know that much of it revolves around the main characters searching for “the one.” While there is a lot of boy talk and relationship drama in SATC, this one quote has stood out to me since I heard it because it emphasizes the importance of friendship. Charlotte was referring to her friends Carrie, Samantha, and Miranda as her soul mates, also the three other main characters in the show. Throughout the show and both of the movies, this girl’s group is one to be envied. They come from all walks of life and they are diverse in their jobs and of course, their style. They are supportive of one another and they bring each other back to life when something goes wrong. Although SATC is fiction, it has taught me about friendship and in a way been there as a friend when I needed it most.
Friends are important, and sometimes more important than partners. They can understand you in ways your family may not be able to. I recommend SATC to my friends when they are feeling lonely or are in need of a pick-me-up. Easily, SATC can be written off as a chick flick or a girl’s movie but it is so much more. SATC encourages individuality and uniqueness, and in some way demonstrates real-life scenarios that are relatable.
Every day, I am grateful for my friends. However, today more than ever we should be enjoying their “virtual” company and supporting them in their own endeavours. Friends are good for your health. They can support you in hard times and encourage you to reach your full potential. All of this may be common knowledge but as I reflect on the year we have had, I have taken the time to evaluate the friendships in my life that I am grateful for and others that are shallow and likely not worth the effort.
With that, here are some lessons I have learned, that have guided me through life since I became a SATC fan:
#10. Be grateful for the people you have in your life.
#9. Do not put in extreme amounts of effort to hang out with someone that can’t give you the time of day.
#8. Support your friends in accomplishing their dreams – do not be jealous. No two people are the same and there are plenty of opportunities available for everyone.
#7. Similar to number eight, but do not compete with your friends – it is not a healthy way to be.
#6. Give your friends supportive advice but look out for them as well. Do not let them do something questionable or unsafe without kindly expressing your thoughts.
#5. Do not let people insult you, even if they act like it was a joke.
#4. Be available. You will be busy but be there for your friends.
#3. Be independent. Your and your friends can support each other but you don’t have to live together. You can have a life outside of your friendships. It will make them stronger.
#2. Never ignore your friends for a boy. It is not worth it and it is much healthier to find a balance between the two.
#1. Charlotte had it right, your friends are your soulmates.