17 Important Lessons I Learned From “The Princess Diaries” That Brought Out My Inner Royalty

    Apologizing with a pizza is never a bad idea.

    Morgan Sloss
    by Morgan Sloss

    BuzzFeed Staff

    Hi, world. HUGE Princess Diaries fan here. I'm here to tell you that not only is this film the masterpiece of my generation, but it's legit FILLED with important life lessons that everyone should learn.

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    So here are all the takeaways from my favorite childhood movie:

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    1. Manners are important, y'all.

    Clarisse saying, "Manners matter."
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    Trust me — ain't nobody wanna watch you eat like a slob. To all the people out there who chew with their mouths open: I'm looking at you.

    2. Even for old people, it's NEVER too late to fall in love.

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    For whatever reason (*cough* misogyny *cough*), society has told us for forever that older women are undesirable. But older women deserve love, too, dammit! GET IT, Grandma!!

    3. Getting a makeover doesn't change who you are inside.

    Before pictures of Mia next her face post-makeover, and Mia looking into the mirror.
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    Does Mia look beautiful pre-makeover? Yup. Does she look stunning post-Paolo? Obvi. But even with the new 'do, she's still the same "synchronized swimming, yoga-doing, horseback-riding, wall-climbing type girl." It's fun to glam up (duh), but don't forget that it's what's on the inside that counts.

    4. It's like, so hard to remember in the moment, but you are in charge of your self-worth.

    Joe saying, "You should know: no one can make you feel inferior without your consent." Mia replying, "Eleanor Roosevelt said that." And Joe responding, "Yes. Another special lady like yourself."
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    In the words of the great Taylor Swift: "Haters gonna hate." Everyone has haters, even real-life royalty like Anne Hathaway. You just gotta learn how to shake it off and keep doing you.

    5. If your friends aren't respecting your boundaries, it's 100% okay to tell them to stay in their lane.

    Mia yelling, "Lilly! Just stop it, okay?"
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    If you're not paying my bills or sleeping in my bed, mind your business. K, thanks.

    6. Working yourself to death ain't cute.

    Clarisse asking, "Why don't we cancel lessons for today and just have some fun?"
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    IDK when we collectively decided that overworking ourselves was a good look. If the Queen of Genovia can take a day off to have some fun, you can, too. Make time for a bubble bath! Go on that vacation you've always dreamed about! Treat yo self 'cause no one else will.

    7. Try ALL the food.

    Mia asking, "Do you want a bite of this?" Clarisse saying, "Why not?" and trying a corndog, then saying, "It's delicious!"
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    Your next favorite food is probably around the corner, crying that you haven't been adventurous enough to find it yet.

    8. Being nice goes a LONG way.

    Clarisse saying, "I would be proud to have two such fine, honorable gentlemen serving in Genovia. Now Mia, I know you don't want to go all the way downtown..." And the police officer interrupting her and saying, "That really won't be necessary."
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    A little flattery never hurt nobody, either. Just sayin'.

    9. Don't blow off your ride-or-dies just because a hot guy strolls into your life.

    Mia making plans with Michael and Lily to hang out on Saturday. Then Josh asking Mia to the big beach party on Saturday night.
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    Everybody has a friend who ditched her squad as soon as she caught a man. NOBODY likes this girl. Don't be this girl. Be better.

    10. Just because he's cute doesn't mean he's the one.

    Josh kissing Mia without her consent, and Mia hitting him in the head with her flip-flop.
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    Hotness does not equal niceness. It's a hard lesson to learn, but learn it you must, my friends.

    11. Sometimes, you just need a good freaking cry.

    Helen holding a crying Mia on the stairs and saying, "My mom always told me I couldn't cry and told me to be a big girl, but you've been hurt so you just cry, okay?"
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    Mia's mom is out here breaking toxic cycles in her family AND encouraging her daughter to cry when her heart hurts. Helen is definitely getting my vote for the mom of the year award. Be like Helen!

    12. Apologize when you're wrong.

    A pizza with the word "Sorry" written in M&Ms
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    If you do something stupid, own up to it and learn from it. And if you mess up big time, it's ALWAYS a good idea to apologize with food.

    13. You've gotta face your fears to overcome them.

    Mia saying, "I'm really no good at speechmaking. Normally, I get so nervous that I faint or run away or sometimes I even get sick."
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    Yes, it freaking sucks. Yes, you will grow into a better person because of it.

    14. Forgive people when they apologize (if they deserve it).

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    Are you perfect? No. So don't expect other people to be, either. If Michael Moscovitz can forgive Mia for blowing him off for a TOTAL douchebag, you can find it in your heart to forgive people, too.

    15. If your foot pops when you kiss, he's probably a keeper.

    Mia and Michael kissing until her foot pops and kicks the switch for the romantic lights
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    Okay, this isn't a hard-and-fast rule. But if the kiss is so magical that your foot lifts off the ground and kicks on some romantic lights and fountains, it's probably a good sign.

    16. Dance parties are ALWAYS a good idea.

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    I may or may not have made my boyfriend dance around the living room with me to "Miracles Happen (When You Believe)" while rewatching this movie. 10/10 would recommend.

    17. And finally, our pets deserve to be treated like royalty.

    Fat Louise lying on a pillow with a tiara
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    If you disagree with this one, you can't sit with us.

    What did you learn from The Princess Diaries? Let me know in the comments below!