Despite the fact that there’s literally an unlimited amount of new TV series waiting to be binged, I recently decided to embark on the ambitious task of re-watching the entire Sex & the City series, marking one of the best decisions I’ve made in recent history. Sex & the City is a true classic for so many reasons, and is just as groundbreaking, relevant and incredibly entertaining today as it was a decade ago. In addition to realizing that in my 20s I’ve totally become a Miranda (by far the most underrated member of the famous foursome), I also realized that the show offers a ton of life lessons that will resonate with anyone working in PR.
Ironically, the reason I pursued a career in PR was because of Samantha Jones, whose glamorous public relations career played a huge part in the show. Despite the fact that working in PR is actually NOTHING like Sex & the City portrayed (Samantha never once being stressed over work is the definition of #FakeNews), the show has still been hugely influential in my life, and I have no doubt that many other women feel the same.
Here are a few examples of lessons from Sex & the City that will be helpful for anyone working in the insane public relations industry.
- Know your worth. Self-esteem is a huge issue for all women, and the show explored the topic constantly throughout the entire series. Whether they were standing up for themselves against terrible boyfriends or fighting sexism in the workplace (i.e. the iconic scene of Samantha’s interview with Richard), each of the characters were constantly recognizing their worth and expecting others to treat them how they deserved.
- Put yourself first. When Samantha broke up with Smith, she said “I love you, but I love me more.” While I am still heartbroken over their breakup, the sentiment is an important one. You should never put anyone’s wants or needs above your own.
- Ask for what you want. When Carrie said she wanted a really big closet, Mr. Big built her a really big closet (which, for the record, after all the crap he put her through, she totally earned). None of the characters in Sex & the City ever hesitated to ask for what they wanted, and you shouldn’t either.
- Stay optimistic. Charlotte represents the eternal optimist on the show, and her positive outlook at life regardless of the obstacles thrown in her way is something we should all try to replicate.
- Own your accomplishments. Growing up, everyone wanted to be known as the Carrie, the Charlotte or the Samantha of your group, but no one ever wanted to be the Miranda. Now that I’m in my late twenties and have been working for years, I’ve realized that Miranda is the unsung hero of the show. She never shied away from owning her accomplishments and never diminished herself or her career for any man. If a man was intimidated by her success, then he wasn’t the right man for her. #TeamMiranda.
