4 Life Lessons I Learned From Kat Stratford, As A Bianca
I really, really love being a sister. And as a movie fanatic, stories ABOUT sisters always resonate very deeply. That's one of the reasons I love 10 Things I Hate About You — Kat and Bianca Stratford are so similar to my sister and me that it's almost comical (even though my little sister is definitely more like Kat and I'm more like Bianca). Throughout the movie, the sisters look at their differences as a bad thing, and constantly argue or tear each other down. That is, until they figure out those differences are actually strengths. Keep reading for four important (and somewhat rebellious) life lessons I've learned from Kat Stratford.
Be Honest, Especially When It's Scary
Image via Touchstone Pictures/Walt Disney Studios
We all know honesty is the best policy, but it's definitely easier said than done. Kat's not afraid to speak her mind or tell the truth, which reminds me that being honest, even when it's uncomfortable, is both freeing and essential for personal growth. Whether it's confronting a toxic friend, admitting a mistake, or asking for help, being honest with yourself and others will propel you forward.
Be Unashamedly Yourself
Image via Touchstone Pictures/Walt Disney Studios
One of the things I love most about Kat Stratford in 10 Things I Hate About You is how she never dims her personality to climb her school's social ranks. She doesn't worry about popularity, or what anyone thinks of her. (Plus, the fact that this independence comes from regret over past peer pressure is a whole other lesson in personal growth!). Bianca cares more about having the "right" bags and dating the "right" person, but Kat definitely marches to the beat of her own drum, which is always a lesson I need to remember!
It's Better To Be Solo Than With The Wrong People
Image via Touchstone Pictures/Walt Disney Studios
As someone who didn't go on a first date until I was 18, I speak from personal experience when I say I KNOW how important it can feel sometimes to have any romantic relationship, at any cost. But you definitely don't want to lower your standards or sacrifice your dreams for the wrong person. Kat knows her worth and doesn't settle for anything less than Patrick singing to her in front of the whole school. Love does exist!!
Forgive, But Don't Forget
Image via Touchstone Pictures/Walt Disney Studios
I haven't personally found out the person I like was paid to date me, but best believe if I did, I would be pissed. Despite Kat's (very justified) anger when she discover's Patrick's deal with Joey, she does decide to forgive him — but that doesn't mean sweeping his past actions under the rug. Kat reminds me that every past experience plays a small part in who we are today, and it only makes us stronger!
Kat Stratford's Poem in 10 Things I Hate About You
Image via Touchstone Pictures/Walt Disney Studios
I hate the way you talk to me
And the way you cut your hair
I hate the way you drive my car
I hate it when you stare
I hate your big dumb combat boots
And the way you read my mind
I hate you so much, that it makes me sick
And even makes me rhyme
I hate the way you're always right
I hate it when you lie
I hate it when you make me laugh
Even worse when you make me cry
I hate it when you're not around
And the fact that you didn't call
But mostly I hate the way I don't hate you
Not even close
Not even a little bit
Not even at all
Are you more of a Bianca or a Kat? Let us know in the comments and check out Every Friend Group Has A Blair And Serena — Which Are You? next!
Lead image via Touchstone Pictures/Walt Disney Studios
