Like most of people my age, I grew up watching Disney movies. I had a particular fondness for the princess movies, and my favorite by far was Beauty and the Beast. To this day, it is one of my favorite movies, and here's five reasons why:

1. Belle loves to read and she isn't ashamed of it.

As a kid, I loved to read. I would come home from the library with stacks and stacks of books, stayed up late reading nearly every night, and always asked for books for Christmas and birthday gifts. Like Belle, I was picked on for loving books more than people and loving school when it wasn't cool to. Having a Disney princess with the same interests as me encouraged me to ignore the bullies and stay focused on pursuing my own hobbies.

2. There are people like Gaston in real life.

Gaston views Belle not as a human being, but as a object to own. He constantly talks down to her, makes fun of her eccentric father (not an attractive quality in a romantic partner), and attempts to force Belle into marriage. Although he is a terrible person, he is loved by the village people. Gaston is an antagonist that exists in real life. Seeing a character like him taught me that bad guys aren't always monsters and witches - sometimes they are beautiful and popular.

3. It's okay to be unhappy with your surroundings and to do something about it.

I grew up in a small town in central Wisconsin and graduated from a Catholic high school with a class of 35. My experience was a lot like Belle's village - if you were not interested in what was mainstream (sports, math, science) then you stuck out like a sore thumb and were socially ostracized. I spent years dreaming of what life would be like beyond high school. Now that I'm out of my "little town full of little people", I've been able to go on adventures on my own, and am planning where to journey to next post-graduation!

4. Second chances are worth a shot.

Obviously Belle and the Beast didn't get off on the right foot! However, after taking some time to get to know each other (as well as some maturing on the Beast's part) they ended up falling in love. Whether it's a bad first date or a new acquaintance, giving someone a second chance may lead to a rewarding new relationship.

5. Inner beauty is more important than outer beauty.

This is perhaps the most important lesson of the movie! Belle doesn't love the Beast because of his appearance - she loves him for his heart. Beauty on the outside does not always equal beauty on the inside, which is infinitely more valuable. This is applicable not just to romantic relationships, but to life in general. It is crucial to look beyond the surface appearance to find the beauty within.