'The Princess Diaries': 10 Lessons We Learned from the Movie
Hello, get ready to feel old. The Princess Diaries premiered fifteen years ago. Say whaaaat? In the decade-plus-five-years since we first sat down to watch Anne Hathaway match up against Julie Andrews, we’ve probably seen that movie (and its sequels) at least a million times. Roughly. And, TBH, each time we watch it, there’s another lesson to learn. Thanks to this film, we all felt a little better about our frizzy hair and we probably were inspired to throw ice cream at the popular girl at least once or twice. In honor of its 15th (gulp) birthday, here are 10 lessons that we can thank Mia and Queen Clarisse for.
1/10Embrace your quirky qualities.
Little did Mia know that her bushy eyebrows were actually going to be considered “goals” in about 12 or 13 years. Our differences are what make us beautiful, and even though Mia’s makeover lasted throughout the second and third film, we think she looked great just the way she was.
2/10Don’t fall for the popular jerk.
Let’s talk about Josh for a second. Mia has a crush on him throughout most of the first film, despite the fact that he routinely makes fun of her. Of course, after Mia’s makeover, Josh suddenly is interested, but come on! He could barely give her the time of day earlier. It’s clear what changed his mind, and that speaks volumes about his values. After all, “If you can’t handle me at my frizzy hair and glasses, you don’t deserve me at my princess phase.” Boy, bye.
3/10Popping paint-filled balloons is a great stress reliever.
Who could forget the scene when Mia and her mom throw darts at balloons that are filled with paint? Raise your hand if you’ve been dying to try that ever since you first saw it! (Raises hand enthusiastically.)
4/10Stand up to bullies.
To be clear, we’re not encouraging you to dump an ice cream cone on the girl that makes fun of you at school (come on, that would be a waste of a perfectly good dessert), but it is important to stand up for yourself. Sometimes you need to do more than just “shake it off” — sometimes you need to voice you’ve been hurt. Mia did a great job of pushing back against those who have wronged her, and she even had to stand up to her BFF a couple of times as well.
5/10Respect your elders.
Anyone close to their grandparents know — sometimes, grandma knows best. There are certain levels of politeness that our elders expect (Queen Clarisse would call it “etiquette”). Sometimes, it’s just easier to avoid putting your elbows on the table than to argue with grandma. With that said...
6/10...Know when you’re right.
Grandma and grandpa won’t always be correct. There are times when you’ll have to stand up for yourself (see #4) in the face of your own parents or grandparents. Of course, it’s important to always be respectful, but you should also be confident. Know when it’s time to comply, and when it’s time to stand your ground.
7/10A diary can be your best friend.
The movie isn’t called The Princess Diaries for nothing! Keeping a journal can be a great way to reflect and also get to know yourself even better. It’s good to be introspective, especially in a world that’s constantly moving and fast-paced.
8/10The way to a girl's heart…
...is not by treating her like a vending machine. Probably the best advice anyone could take away from this movie when attempting to woo a lady. Are you taking notes?
9/10Being “seen” is sometimes the best thing ever.
Honestly, all we want from life is for people to “see” us. And not just with their eyes, but with their hearts and minds. It’s hard not to swoon at the scene when Mia says, “You saw me when I was invisible.” Le sigh.
10/10Always have faith in yourself.Above all, it’s essential to always believe in yourself.
Above all, it’s essential to always believe in yourself. Mia taught us that no matter what, as long as we are true to who we really are, anything is possible. Even a tiara.
