Opinion

14 questions raised by Carrie Bradshaw that are still relevant today

Twenty years later, the questions raised by Carrie Bradshaw are still as relevant as ever.
14 questions raised by Carrie Bradshaw that are still relevant today
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Sex and the City was so much more than just your average 1990s cult series. It was a true revolution in the world of television; a treat to follow the comical adventures of the four main characters, Carrie, Samantha, Miranda, and Charlotte, throughout six seasons and two movies. As the reboot And Just Like That... has been released, let's take a look at the 14 life lessons from the New York journalist, which are still relevant in 2021.

“How many of us out there are having great sex with people we’re ashamed to introduce to our friends?” (Season 1, episode 6)

Who hasn't experienced this unpleasant situation? Of course, like Carrie, if the person you are "dating" does not introduce you to their friends on the street, it can be very upsetting. What could be the reason for this? Let's rule out the theory that we are not cute enough. Beauty is so subjective (at least that is said). Maybe the person is simply afraid of the judgment from their friends or family for whatever reason? Or on the contrary, perhaps they want to keep you all to themselves? It's true, a situation like this doesn't necessarily mean that they're ashamed of you, quite the contrary. It just means that it's not the right time (hopefully).

The "Sex and the City" crew.

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“In a city of great expectations, is it time to settle for what you can get?” (Season 1, episode 9)

In this episode, Carrie is sad to learn that Mr. Big never wants to get married again. After two failed marriages, this is understandable. Though, the real question today is: can we really be satisfied with what we have? Anyone who lives in a big city in 2021 knows that temptation lurks around every corner, especially in the age of social media and dating apps, a common place to spark intimacy. A tiny detail may trigger us during a "date"? A nose that's too long, an imperfect pronunciation, being too nice... In short, it's a NEXT. Despite the social and cultural evolution, this questioning raised by the New Yorker in 1998 still makes sense, and even more so 20 years later.

The couple Carrie and Mr. Big in "Sex and the City

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“How often is normal?” (Season 1, episode 11)”

Well, okay, it's a question we've probably been asking ourselves since the dawn of time. However, amongst friends, it's the kind of questioning that can lead to a three-hour debate. The funny thing is, we'll probably never have the answer because it's so subjective.

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“What are the break-up rules?” (Season 2, episode 1)

When confronted with the question "How do you dump someone?", I often get the same kind of response: "either ghost them or be honest." But is that really the best way? It's so easy to say, “Now is not the time, I'm sorry. It's not you, it's me.” Typically, this so-called “honesty” can be interpreted as cowardly. Maybe, we should take the example of Samantha who, after several years of a relationship with Smith Jerrod, she decides to end it with these few words: "I love you, but I love myself even more."

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“Are there still certain things in a relationship one should never say?” (Season 2, episode 2)

If this is the case: flee!

“In a gravity-free world of ‘anything goes,’ what constitutes cheating?” (Season 2, episode 6)

If Carrie described the 1990's as "a gravity-free world where anything goes," I wonder what she is concocting for us in the And Just Like That...reboot. Because yes, twenty years later, love relationships have evolved: polygamous or open couples, for example, are becoming more and more common. The most important thing is to know what you want, and ESPECIALLY what you don't want. Note, a well-known but legitimate expression: communication is key.

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“In a city as cynical as New York, is it still possible to believe in love at first sight?” (Season 2, episode 7)

In Paris too, we ask ourselves this same question (almost) every day...

“Can you change a man?” (Season 2, episode 9)

I'll say one thing: good luck!

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“When it comes to relationships, how do you know when enough is enough?” (Season 2, episode 12)

It is true that even today, we sometimes accept things that we would have never imagined in a relationship. Making sacrifices yes, but putting aside our values or needs, surely not!

“Do we need a drama to make a relationship work?” (Season 3, episode 7)

Carrie is about to meet the parents of her boyfriend, Aidan. She is surprised that the romance is going so well, especially after the disastrous relationship she had with Big. It's true that we can quickly get bored when a relationship remains too simple. We've all heard the expression: a couple that never fights isn't normal. A little drama never hurts, especially when it's quickly contained. For a couple to work, you shouldn't hesitate to speak up when something isn't right, even if it means upsetting the other person.

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“When it comes to relationships, is it smarter to follow your heart or your head?” (Season 3, episode 9)

Shouldn't we only trust our instincts? In general, we can sense from the beginning whether a relationship is healthy or not. One thing is for sure, you shouldn't follow just your heart or head alone. That's probably the best way to end up with your cheeks dripping with tears at the foot of your bed, while listening to Whitney Houston's I Will Always Love You, as you devour Ben & Jerry's ice cream. Tested and disapproved.

“Can you ever really escape from your past?” (Season 3, episode 13)

Okay, that's a somewhat convoluted question, but it's a valid one. Although, personally, the answer is a big fat NO. Why would you want to escape your past anyway? It is precisely the past which shapes who we are today. Let's be proud of it!

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“Can you ever really forgive if you can’t forget?” (Season 4, episode 7)

Rather, we should ask ourselves, "Does time really fix everything?" You have two hours.

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“Denial: Friend… or foe?” (Season 6, episode 16)

Living in denial can be one of the worst and best experiences in a relationship. A prime example: what's the safer bet when you're having doubts about your partner's loyalty? Rummaging through your pockets and being guided by constant fear, or living your life without ever worrying about what may or may not happen? You have the answer.