7 Life Lessons From Pretty Woman

Last time Pretty Woman was on the television, almost everyone on my Twitter timeline was watching it. Favourite quotes were being shared and a there was a general air of nostalgia.  In my opinion, this film isn't about glorifying prostitution, finding your perfect partner without looking for them and dressing up in expensive clothes - it is so much more than that.  It is about dealing with the crap, looking out for your friends, being true to yourself and treating others how you want to be treated.  So, here are my seven life lessons taken from Pretty Woman. Feel free to add your own (or your favourite quote from the film) at the end.

"Some dreams come true, some don't.  But keep on dreamin'.  

This is Hollywood.  Always time to dream, so keep on dreamin'."

1.  You may be in a job you hate but it's all part of your journey through life. 

"I can do anything I want, baby. I ain't lost"

I am a great believe in experience and fate. Everything happens for a reason and you're in charge of your own destiny.  You may need to work in some awful jobs and people will take advantage of you but it is all part of the learning process.

2.  You always need friends.

"Take care of you"

As the old saying goes, you can't choose your family but you can choose your friends. Talk to people, be interested in who they are and what they have to say. Have friends that you can trust and rely on. Have friends that will challenge your ideas. Have friends who are your equal. 

3.  Sing like no-one is listening, even if it's out of tune.

"I just want your extra time and your... kiss"

Stick your favourite tune(s) on your mp3 player, crank it up and SING!  Because of the deep breaths you take when you sing, you increase the oxygen in the blood stream and exercise muscle groups in the upper body.  It also has psychological benefits because of links to emotional well-being.

4.  Never judge someone by the clothes they wear.

"You work on commission, right? Big mistake. Big. Huge!"

So what if someone wears a jumper that cost £4.00 or owns a handbag that costs £899.00? What matters is the person inside! You may be pleasantly surprised by what you find out if you talk to someone.

5.  Remember your manners and pay compliments.

"If I forget to tell you later, I had a really good time tonight."

Manners are free and are the basis of rubbing along together nicely in society. Open doors for people, smile at strangers, say "please" and "thank you" and tell someone they look amazing.  Appreciate a gift no matter how small or large.  As Dean Jackson said on Live Life In The Now:  

"When a child gives you a gift, even if it is a rock they just picked up, exude gratitude. It might be the only thing they have to give and they have chosen to give it to you."

6.  Don't be afraid to show affection.

"I was afraid to hug you up there, I might wrinkle you."

A kind word or a hug is something that we all need from time to time. We don't need to act like squealing fifteen-year olds on the return to school after the half-term break however just letting someone know that you're there for them can be a weight off their shoulders.  Or a lifeline...

7.  Rescue someone.

"So what happened after he climbed up the tower and rescued her?"  "She rescues him right back."

We only find out the true value of something (or someone) when we no longer have it. We take people and possessions for granted sometimes and become complacent. Maybe we need to be without for a while to realise the true worth?