Six Things I Learned from Pretty in Pink

Pretty in Pink, one of the most popular and quintessential movies of the 1980s, turned the big three-oh last Sunday (February 28).  Thirty years.  I find it hard to believe that this movie has been around for three decades.  It just seems like yesterday that I first saw Duckie dancing around Trax lip-syncing to Ottis Redding's "Try a Little Tenderness" as Andie and Iona looked on.

Pretty in Pink is hands down one of my favorite 80s movies.  I've owned it on VHS, DVD, and, even to this day, I will watch it every time I come across it on TV.  Every.  Single.  Time.  (Seriously...  Just ask my  husband.)  Interestingly enough, I never saw it on the big screen until two weeks ago. 

In honor of the movie's 30th anniversary, Pretty in Pink was re-released for a limited time on a limited number of screens nationwide.  On my birthday, I was able to finally see it on the big screen. 

One of the reasons why I love Pretty in Pink  is due to it's timelessness.  Sure, the world that was captured on film in the mid 1980s looks a lot different than the world we live in now, but the essence of the movie and the lessons it teaches are still just as important today as they were back in '86.

Here are six valuable, timeless pieces of wisdom that I learned from Pretty in Pink that I feel are still relevant today:

1)  It’s good to have friends of the opposite sex.

Sure, many argue that men and women can never be just friends because of the whole sex thing, but I'm here to say that that is absolutely absurd.  I have a very close male friend and we've been friends for 25-30 years.  He and I have been friends for so long that we consider each other as family.  

One of the benefits this friendship has given me over the years is the ability to pick the brain of my friend, Bryan, and get his take on things.  Men and women view the world differently.  Having friends of the opposite sex allows you access to a perspective that you might otherwise not see.  

2)  It’s good to have friends outside your age range.  

Iona was at least 15 years older than Andie and they were of different generations - Iona was a Baby Boomer and Andie was a member of Gen X.  But, even despite these age differences, they were close friends.

Just as having friends of the opposite sex is important, so is having friends of different ages.  We can learn a lot from older friends who have "been there, done that" and our younger friends bring a fresh perspective to situations.

3) While it’s good to develop a sense of style that reflects who you are, it’s also important to develop a sense of self.

Andie knew that she marched to the beat of her own drum and she was perfectly okay with that.  She was okay being herself.  In my opinion, that is one of the most important lessons anyone can learn.  

4) If you truly love someone, you will want them to be happy, and sometimes that means stepping aside.

We all know that Duckie harbored some deep, unrequited love for Andie.  In the end, despite his love for her and desire to be with her, he stepped aside and encouraged her to be with Blaine because he wanted her to be happy.

5) In this life, you have to stand up for yourself.

Confession:  I was stood up a few days before my junior prom.  I was mortified, I was hurt, and I was mad.  Honestly, the last thing I wanted to do was go to the prom alone and I considered not going at all.  But, I knew I had to.  I had to show the numbskull who stood me up that I didn't need him, that he didn't break me, that he didn't cause any disruption in my living my life.  

6) Sewing is an essential life skill.

Via

Even though the dress wasn't what I would have chosen, the simple fact that Andie was able to design and craft a completely new dress using the material from two other dresses is quite impressive.  Just think - never will she have to pay for alterations! 

Have you seen Pretty in Pink?  What are your thoughts on the movie?

As always, thanks for stopping by!

Linking up with Kristin @ See You in a Porridge 

and Gretchen @ Gretchen Runs.

Linking up with Kristin @ Stuff, Things, Etc. 
and Joey @ Hodgepodges.

And...Updated 3.7.16

Mackenzie @ Reflections from Me #mg