13 Lessons "Shameless" Has Taught Me

Life lessons everyone learns from their favorite characters on the hit show "Shameless"

1. Hard work pays off

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Lip was the first Gallagher to ever attend college. He showed everyone that it doesn't matter where you come from, if you work hard anything is possible.

2. Life is full of opportunity

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From bullying kids in school, to spending time in jail, Carl has gone through his fair share of mischief and even crime. However, when he's introduced to the life of a cop he changes his attitude and starts to turn over a new leaf.

3. But sometimes life also isn't fair

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Despite Fiona's best efforts, along with everyone else in the house, sometimes things just don't go their way. Especially when Frank comes back into the picture.

4. How to be a good friend

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Through thick and thin, Fiona's best friend V has been there for her through it all. No matter what happens they always have each other's back.

5. The importance and stress of responsibility

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From just taking care of her younger siblings when Frank couldn't, to fighting for legal guardianship of them, Fiona's sacrificed her entire life to take responsibility for her kids.

6. You're braver than you think

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Sheila's come a huge way since season 1 when she couldn't even go near the front door. She's proved that anyone can conquer their fears if they care enough.

7. To accept who you are

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Throughout the first few seasons Mickey struggles to accept his sexuality and his feelings for Ian, but when he finally does he really comes into his own.

8. Take care of yourself

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Fiona is constantly busy taking care of everyone else beside herself, which everyone does. She shows what can happen if you don't take some time to yourself.

9. Be nice because you never know what someone else is going through

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This is less of a direct lesson, but more passive because it's shown through everyone's personal struggles that viewers see, but the fellow characters don't.

10. What true love is

The one thing that's remained constant throughout the whole series is Kev and V's unconditionally love for each other.

11. Life goes on

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No matter what happens, or how deep of a pit the characters get in, it always gets better. This is shown through every character in the show in some way.

12. Everyone makes mistakes

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The Gallaghers were born to make mistakes, that's just how their family is. But seriously, who doesn't make mistakes?

13. Family is family no matter what

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Whether someone's in jail, a baby's given cocaine, the house is up for sale, or Frank's back home, the Gallaghers are always there for each other as family should be.