One Tree Hill will forever be my in life. I’m almost 100% positive that the only reason I survived my teenage years was because of this show. I cried, laughed, loved, and grew up with the characters as I dedicate most of my life lessons to the seasons I’ve watched repeatedly. While I may have over-exaggerated my love for this show as a teenager, I still binge-watch the show any chance I get (I’ve even gone as far as getting all 9 seasons on DVD). Of the many things I learned from this show, it made me believe in true love. The couples went through heartache and loss that made their lives more relatable. Even though it was a television show, I was so invested in each character’s relationship, and was always able to put myself in their shoes. They got me. The show taught me the importance of what it means to have true friends, and the real meaning of love (#teamnaley forever).
Here are the 7 most important Lessons that we all learned from One Tree Hill:
- Love can come from unexpected places
Haley and Nathan – the jock and nerd defied the stereotypes set in high school. While the relationship started off in a deceptive way, they lasted through everything. Haley giving Nathan a chance even though he was (seen as) an asshole allowed her to be with the man she loves. You may not end up with someone you expected to be with, but he will be the right person for you. I learned to be open to love, and that things will happen for a reason.
- People will leave
Jake leaving Peyton didn’t mean he didn’t love her, he had to do so to protect his daughter. Just because people leave doesn’t mean that it wasn’t true love or that it didn’t mean anything. Sometimes, things don’t always work and letting go is your only option. There may never be an explanation but just because they’re gone doesn’t mean you can’t still remember the good times.
- Sometimes, people come back
There will be days where all you or your significant other want to do is give up and walk away. That is fine. Do not give into the easy route of walking away. Some days, people need a break – whether it’s a day, week, month, or years. Sometimes, people come back and if you’re both lucky enough, you two are still perfect for each other.
- Love can be a b*tch
Try as you might, not all love stories are meant to be. Jealousy, lies, and betrayals are unfortunately a part of life. Brooke, Lucas, and Peyton’s on and off love triangle lasted four seasons. While it doesn’t seem like it at the time, some things are just not meant to be. Sure, Brooke didn’t get Lucas at the moment but years later, their friendship flourished and she ended up with the guy for her. Cherish the times you had with them, and keep the good memories in your heart. Years later, do not hold on to any of the pain but instead – be happy about the good times that you had.
- Don’t take love for granted
It is easy to take something for granted, especially when you believe that nothing can tear you apart. Appreciate every moment. When Peyton fell sick during her pregnancy – she did everything to make sure that baby came out healthy, and it was a defining moment that taught her not take love for granted. The people you love may love you unconditionally but that doesn’t mean that they’ll stand for being treated like a doormat. Unfortunately, tragedies are a part of everyone’s lives, appreciate each moment you get with your loved ones.
- True love will always prevail
Through all the bullsh*t in life, if you two are meant to be – you will be together. This doesn’t mean that it will be easy and that you won’t have to work it. Love is not always easy, this just means that sometimes, it all works in your favor and true love will come out at the top.
- Sometimes, all you need is one
“At this moment, there are 6,470,818,671 people in the world. Some are running scared. Some are coming home. Some tell lies to make it through the day. Others are just now facing the truth. Some are evil men, at war with good. And some are good, struggling with evil. Six billion people in the world. Six billion souls. And sometimes, all you need is one.” Sometimes all you need in life is one person, especially if they’re the right one.
One Tree Hill taught me so much about love, friendship, and life in general. My one takeaway from this show though is that love takes work but it will always be worth it. Love isn’t the happily ever after that Disney sold, but it’s fun, raw, and worth everything. It is a feeling that is unconditional, and you can love multiple people at multiple parts of your life. There may not always be a happy ending but that’s no reason to not be thankful for the time you had with them.
“Every song ends but that’s no reason to not enjoy the music.”
Featured Image via screengrab of One Tree Hill
