I’m a musical nerd. Guilty as charged. No one can possibly convince me that musicals are “tacky” or “overrated,” especially when it comes to classics such as "Phantom of the Opera."

I’m not saying that I want my life to be exactly like Christine’s or that the love the Phantom has for her is desirable. I have seen the musical. I understand that not everything about it is particularly enticing about a lifestyle, friendship, or relationship. However, there are several points throughout the musical and throughout my life that I feel relate to the show.

“Think of Me.”

Let’s be real for a minute. Walking down memory lane can be wonderful from time to time. Who hasn’t thought back to high school and remembered a person that you haven’t talked to in years? You wonder what they’re up to and what life has brought to them lately. It happens to all of us. If you ever spare a moment, spare a thought for someone else. Remember how things used to be.

“Angel of Music”

Christine remembers her father through the Angel of Music. He is her mentor and guide, and she recognizes that other people may not understand how or why she believes this. That doesn’t matter. When you do something or believe something and people don’t understand it, there’s probably a good reason as to why you feel the way you do. No matter how hard the process may be, the final outcome will make you realize that the world works in mysterious ways.

“Phantom of the Opera”

Life is scary a lot of times. You often find yourself following people to an unknown world to learn things you never thought were possible. In this fear, you find yourself in awe of the different kind of beauty that exists in an unknown world.

“Music of the Night”

“Close your eyes, let your spirit start to soar, and you’ll live as you’ve never lived before.” Don’t let your dark times convince you that you don’t deserve happiness. Use the unknown or uncomfortable times to become a more knowing and understanding person. Take the time to enjoy music. Relax. Let the song take you where you long to be.

“Prima Donna”

Go ahead and realize how great you are. Let people lavish you with compliments every once in awhile, because the chaos of the surrounding world will never go away. You still need to remember that you’re awesome.

“All I Ask of You”

You’re going to experience love in your life, either romantically, platonically, or both. Be grateful for your person. They are important. Let them be their own person and only ask that they love you as you love them.

“All I Ask of You Reprise”

Heartbreak is part of life. It’s okay to be angry about it. It’s okay to yell and be frustrated and want nothing more than the love of someone. (OK, so dropping a chandelier on people? Maybe a little over the top). Don’t be destructive with your anger, but absolutely be angry! That’s natural.

“Masquerade”

Sometimes it’s OK to hide your face so the world won’t find you. Don’t lose yourself or reality in the process, though.

“Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again”

We all have lost someone we love. We would give everything we have just to spend another hour with them. Remembering that person is one of many ways to show you love them, so it’s important that now and again, you stop to think of how you wish they were somehow near.

“The Point of No Return”

You hit that send button on a college or job application. You take a deep breath and walk through the front door after curfew. You finally say what’s been on your mind, knowing that people are going to get mad about it. I know I’ve used the phrase “past the point of no return” in casual conversation simply because there are times when you need to brace yourself and cross the final threshold and accept the consequences.

“Christine, I love you”

I cried. I’ve seen the musical numerous times, I listen to the soundtrack on a regular basis, and I still cry when the Phantom confesses that he loves Christine. If you learn nothing else from this moment, know that even people who hurt you have feelings. Always, always, always be kind.

Overall, life has an incredible elegance to it filled with despair, hatred, passion, lust, envy, remembrance, and love. Sometimes it’s best if we enjoy it with its ups and downs, knowing that the end result will be beautiful.