Every movie seems to have lessons you can learn from hidden in the background. Some are more straight forward about it, such as Disney movies, but even the movies that seem to be written for pure enjoyment have lessons in them. One of my all-time favorite movies, "Shrek," is a movie that has a lot of hidden lessons behind the jokes. Some of the main lessons I’ve learned from "Shrek" are:

1. Everyone can find love

No matter what you look like or what the rumors say about you, there is someone for everyone. "Shrek" shows us that even an “ugly ogre” that everyone is afraid of can find the true love of his life.

2. Better out then in

In the movie, Shrek quotes “better out than in, I always say.” Even though in this moment Shrek is talking about gas, this also teaches us to be ourselves, even if it means being weird or not how the “normal” act.

3. Everyone has layers

In the movie, Shrek uses symbolism by comparing himself to an onion. Shrek talks about how he has layers and how there are many different sides to him, you just need to get to know him to see the different sides. I think this is true in everyday life. It’s like the old expression that you can’t judge a book by its cover because you don’t know what really in the inside.

4. Hard work can get you anything you’ve always dreamed of

Going on the journey no knight has been able to survive, Shrek heads to save the princess with the fear of his life. Even though he knows it’s dangerous, he puts his head and heart forward to succeed at his dream.

5. Nothing is handed to you

We learn from Lord Farquaad that nothing is handed to you in life. Lord Farquaad, instead of doing it himself, sends Shrek to go save the princess for him to marry. This backfires when Shrek and Fiona (the princess) fall in love.

6. True love beats everything else

At the end of the day true love beats everything else. Looking past the looks, the rumors and the worries, your heart will pull you in the right direction.

7. Friends are family

We learn from Shrek and Donkey that friendships are often more than just someone you like to hang out with. Their relationship shows how friendships are often like family and how no matter how much you annoy each other, you will love each other and wouldn’t rather be with anyone else.

8. Intercultural relationships work

A princess and an ogre and a dragon and donkey fall in love. The movie shows that no matter your difference in race, type of animal, size or really anything about you, you can still be together if your heart wants it.