There are few film masterpieces that truly touch upon the raw emotion, failures, and triumph of the human condition. One of them happens to be the beloved 2001 classic "The Princess Diaries." It's been 15 long years since we were first introduced to a young Anne Hathaway, with curly hair and big rimmed glasses. We all watched in awe as she perfectly portrayed the struggle of awkward high school girl turned surprise princess of a (definitely not fake) country. She fed Julie Andrews a corn dog. She cried in a car. She dated a boy in a band. It was magical. Then in 2004 we were given the gift of "Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement." And what a royal engagement it was to Chris Pine. They made out in a kayak. It was a great movie.
If you are like me, a female human between the ages of 18 and 28, you heard the recent news that there might be a third installment of the "Princess Diaries" and shouted "Hallelujah!" from your nearest rooftop. So in honor of this glorious possible trilogy, let us look back on some of the crucial life lessons we learned from our favorite Genovian princess, Mia Thermopolis.
1. It's OK to fail.
(Alternatively: Hills are steep)
2. Don't brush curly hair.
Seriously. Don't do it. This scene was particularly special to me because as a young mop-headed child, I had more than one hairbrush break on me. Let us all learn from Mia's mistakes.
3. Love yourself just the way you are.
4. Never bail on your bestie.
Or bad things will happen. When Mia ditched Lilly's radio show for a beach party even though she promised she'd be there, we all saw a thriving friendship begin to unravel. And what happened to Mia there? Evil Mandy Moore happened. And then she ended up naked in a tent or something? Anyways, luckily Mia learned from this embarrassing nightmare. And Lilly got into "Bezerk-eley". So I guess everything worked out in the end! (Go Bears?)
5. First kisses don't always go as planned.
Whether he sucks your face like a snail holding on for dear life, or your flip-flop catches in a net preventing the perfect foot-pop every girl dreams of, a first kiss might not go as planned. And that's perfectly okay. (Because later you will meet the perfect boy with an awkward albeit adorable bowl-cut and your foot will pop like it's never popped before.)
6. It's OK to cry.
Go ahead, catch a falling star and put it in your pocket. Save it for a rainy day. (P.S. if you don't burst into tears just thinking of that scene, you are probably a robot.)
7. Don't forget how to have fun.
Of course you can be in your 20s and have a sleepover. That is, if it's as awesome as this one was, complete with mattress surfing and a live musical performance by Raven Simone.
8. Grandmas can be badasses.
Never underestimate the power of a strong-willed Nana. Especially if she's Julie Andrews. And the Queen.
9. Fake it 'til you make it.
Whether you're hosting a royal dinner or pretending to ride side saddle, do as Mia does and simply fake it 'till you make it. Worked for her...pretty much.
10. Anyone can be a princess.
Truth.
