There are a few times we come across a show nowadays that combines wit, drama, and theatricality in a cohesive and believable manner. "Jane the Virgin" manages to do just that. It's a show with a lot of heart, humor, and high-pressure situations that keep you coming back for more. But whether you're #TeamMichael or #TeamRafael or #TeamJane, the show isn't just about this beloved but complicated love triangle. The show explores all sorts of relationships, whether romantic, familial, or with the self. There's a lot this show can teach us about how to navigate through all the different kinds of love we encounter in our lives.
1. Embracing your sexuality is an important part of yourself you must come to terms with.
It's not the only part of you, but it's an important part of what makes you you. It's important to look within yourself to find out what and who you're comfortable with. The sooner you embrace it, the sooner you'll realize it's something to find pride in and not shy away from.
2. It's not always about the gesture, but the meaning behind it.
This is 2016. The damsel-in-distress act is out, and we independent women are here to stay. We don't always need saving, but the fact that someone would still make the attempt to step in to help is still admirable.
3. You will discover things about yourself that you didn't even know you were capable of being.
Sometimes we fail to see the potential in ourselves. We sometimes need a little encouragement or perspective to realize what we're capable of. By letting new people into our lives, it welcomes the possibility of the person you could always become; you just needed a little reminding of how to get there.
4. The best way to start a relationship is to take things slow.
Friends first, lovers second. You need that base of respect and trust in order for any relationship to blossom naturally. Taking the time to get to know each other helps you build upon that base, ensuring you are both starting on the same page together. And you'll often discover new and interesting quirks about one another that you wouldn't have before if you hadn't put in the effort to do so.
5. Everyone expresses their love in different ways.
There isn't one perfect cookie-cutter model in which every person declares their feelings of affection. We're all different, which means how we communicate our feelings to those we care about will also be different. They may not always come across in the most clear or effective manner, but rest assured they're there. You may just have to do a little more digging.
6. Balancing work and relationships is an ongoing process.
It's all a matter of learning what works and what doesn't. Figuring out the kinks is never easy, but if you're willing to communicate and work together to make time to see each other, you will be able to find a balance.
7. Your family and their opinions are an inevitable part of the deal when you get into a new relationship.
Through all of your ups and down, your family is always by your side. And with that comes their opinions which will always be strong, especially when it comes to your love life. Take them with a grain of salt, knowing that each comment is them really voicing their love and support.
8. Sometimes dreams unlock the key to your true desires.
Sometimes you can't get yourself to confess what you're truly feeling in real life. Although fantasies can be fun, they are only temporary and putting off the inevitability of your situation. Use your fantasies to change your current reality. Give your dreams something to be jealous about.
9. If you feel you might be leading someone on, address it as soon as possible.
It sucks to have to let someone down, but it's ultimately for the best interests for the both of you in the long run. You have the obligation to let someone go if you don't have any romantic feelings for them, even if you did in the past, and especially if you are with someone else. You've let them go, so give them the opportunity to let you go.
10. You can't rush breakups as much, as you may want to.
Breakups are zero percent fun. And although they can make you feel like less than 50 percent, it's 100 percent possible to come back from them. And time is truly the best way to heal all wounds. Also pizza.
11. Sometimes it takes greater circumstances for others to be able to discover their true feelings.
It can take the most extreme of circumstances or when emotions are at their highest to make people realize how they truly feel. There's no way to force these moments of clarity to come to light, but it's up to you to handle what to do with that information. They can further clarify your own feelings or complicate them -- the choice is yours.
12. Both men and women can make romantic gestures for one another.
Just like men shouldn't have to feel like women are in need of saving, women shouldn't feel that all of the responsibility to be romantic falls on the man's shoulders. Chivalry is not dead; it's merely been put on the shoulders of two people instead of one to carry it out. Both men and women can appreciate when a loved one makes a gesture on their behalf, so stop overthinking and just go for it!
13. You are worthy of having magical moments.
Although "Jane the Virgin" is a television show and can sometimes give us unrealistic but beautiful moments, love can spark some truly magical moments if you allow them to happen. They can be simple or grand, short or long, but when it really comes down to it, it's about the joining of two people finally coming together to start on a new adventure. Sounds pretty magical to me.
Thank you, Jane the Virgin," for reminding us that to believe in love, we must believe in ourselves.
