Ladies, the term "chick flick" has been coined by men to describe any movie high in emotion and lacking in explosions, car chases, graphic sex and so on. Of course, knowing the depth of many young adult males, we cannot base the merit of our movies on their definitions, nor do we have to be confined to finding life, love, and sex lessons in only these feminine films.
The movie: When Harry Met Sally
Defining quote: "What I'm saying is - and this is not a come-on in any way, shape or form - that men and women can't be friends because the sex part always gets in the way."
The lesson: Be leery of friends-with-benefits attachments that have enough history to stir your emotions. Don't risk a friendship you aren't willing to lose.
The movie: The Breakfast Club
Defining quote: "Well, if you say you haven't, you're a prude. If you say you have, you're a slut. It's a trap."
The lesson: Sex is a man's game in a male-dominated society. They want to have to sex with you, but they don't want you having a lot of sex. The key is being comfortable with yourself and your actions when navigating these murky waters.
The movie: Love Actually
Defining quote: "To me, you are perfect - and my wasted heart will love you - until you look like this [picture of a mummy]."
The lesson: Choose wisely. Don't settle. Some day the perfect man may show up at your door, and you may already have settled down with Mr. Wrong or Mr. Just Acceptable.
The movie: Fight Club
Defining quote: "Only after disaster can we be resurrected."
The lesson: Break-ups happen. Look at it as a chance to reinvent and reorganize yourself and your life. Take this opportunity to evaluate what you do and do not want in a partner.
The movie: Mean Girls
Defining quote: "You all have got to stop calling each other sluts and whores. It just makes it okay for guys to call you sluts and whores."
The lesson: Accepting your own sex drive as a dynamic need is just as important as recognizing that the women around you are trying to do the same. So show some female loyalty.
The movie: American Beauty
Defining quote: "You're boring, and you're totally ordinary, and you know it."
The lesson: Refuse to accept average as a restraint. Don't be afraid to be a little adventurous, step out of the box and see what, or who, is waiting for you outside.
The movie: 10 Things I Hate About You
Defining quote: "Mr. Morgan, is there any chance we could get Kat to take her Midol before she comes to class?" "Someday, you gonna get bitch-slapped and I'm not gonna do a thing to stop it."
The lesson: Until the end of time, men will attribute any perceived hostility as PMS, ignoring the reality that you're probably pissed because of something they did. Occasional bitchiness is perfectly acceptable - stand up for yourself and your right to be dominant.
The movie: Wedding Crashers
Defining quote: "I'm not perfect, but who are we kidding, neither are you."
The lesson: Humans are imperfect beings, especially in the realm of love and sex. Understanding this is the key to getting back on the proverbial horse, but don't let it cloud your vision when it comes to forgiving certain actions.
The movie: Thelma and Louise
Defining quote: "If she calls, just be gentle, you know? Like you're really happy to hear from her. Like you miss her. Women love that shit."
The lesson: The average male has no idea what a woman wants. The solution? Tell him. A lot. Don't wait until you get angry and do something stupid. Communication is crucial.
The movie: Breakfast at Tiffany's
Defining quote: "We belong to nobody, and nobody belongs to us. We don't even belong to each other."
The lesson: Independence is a great thing, but it doesn't have to mean solitude. Make sure your partner knows that you don't intend to cede all control - in any aspect of your relationship.
When all else fails, go with your instincts in matters of the heart, and remember that Hollywood is always willing to share a few life lessons to help you along the way.