10 Lessons Lindsay Lohan Could Learn From Lindsay Lohan Movies

But really, this is advice for all of us. To celebrate Lindsay's birthday, let's reflect on the morals from her eclectic film career.

1. The Parent Trap: Don't try to be someone that you're not.

Buena Vista Pictures

As tempting as it is to pretend to be someone else, it's a lot more important to be true to yourself. While Hallie and Annie enjoy their switched roles, they must return to their real lives. In the same way, Lindsay has to be Lindsay, and you have to be you — not whatever other people expect you to be.

2. Freaky Friday: Sometimes you need to be the kid and sometimes you need to be the parent.

Buena Vista Pictures

It's tempting for young people to want to be more mature — and for older people to want to reclaim their youth. Sometimes, however, those roles are important. In real life, Lindsay might be too old for the moral here, but Dina Lohan could probably still learn a few things.

3. Mean Girls: Your true friends are the ones who stick by you no matter what.

Paramount Pictures

It's easy to get caught up in silly things like popularity — you might surround yourself with phonies just because you feel like they up your social status. Just remember, when you hit those rough patches — and there may be a lot of them! — it's your real friends who will have your back.

4. Herbie: Fully Loaded: Don't let the haters hold you back.

Buena Vista Pictures

People are always going to tell you that you're not good enough, because you've failed in the past and you're Lindsay Lohan. Screw them. Life is about overcoming obstacles and not letting the mistakes of your past define you. But do be careful of those sharp turns, and that especially goes for Lindsay.

5. Just My Luck: You have to make your own luck.

20th Century Fox

It's easy to fall back on luck but as Ashley learns, there are complications. We all have to keep working if we want to keep succeeding. When good fortune smiles on you — as it did for Lindsay with Mean Girls — that's all the more reason to push yourself further.

6. Georgia Rule: Speak up instead of acting out.

Universal Pictures

Rachel is a pain in the ass to deal with because she's troubled — and maybe the same goes for Lindsay. That's why it's important to speak up when you've been wronged, even if you feel embarrassed or scared. Think how much better you feel when you talk things out instead of keeping it all inside.

7. I Know Who Killed Me: You are your own best friend.

TriStar Pictures

Even though psychic twin bonds aren't a real thing, we could all stand to follow the example of a character who listens to her body and saves her other half. In a less literal sense, this is about being good and receptive to yourself, something we forget too often.

8. Machete: Put your family first, but also recognize their flaws.

20th Century Fox

It's important to place family above all: These are the people who have been there for you forever. But sometimes your dad is a homicidal racist or even Michael Lohan, at which point you have to respect him but move on for the greater good. No one can fault you for that.

9. Liz & Dick: Sometimes the person you love can be the worst person for you to be around.

Lifetime

No matter how much Liz and Dick love each other, or how romantic they get, the relationship is toxic. Lindsay has surrounded herself with toxic people in the past, and it always ends badly. She's not alone, though: You fall for people who drag you down — the key is recognizing that and forcing some distance.

10. Scary Movie 5: Not every job is worth the paycheck.

Dimension Films

Money makes the world go 'round, and sometimes that means taking on jobs you're not too thrilled about. Just ask Lindsay, who played herself in Scary Movie 5 and InAPPropriate Comedy. Remember that money is never worth debasing yourself for. Hold yourself to a higher standard.