Rory and her friends grew up in the early 2000s on Gilmore Girls. For new fans of the show, a life without social media, iPhones, and Tik Tok seem unfathomable, but it was simpler times in the Gilmore Girls era. The show was incredibly realistic when it came to the life of teenagers. With Rory growing up as a teen on-screen, teenaged viewers saw her go through things they were also going through.
From the pressures of applying to colleges to the rollercoaster of teenage emotions, Gilmore Girls knocked it out of the park for what life was like for the average teenager.
The Pressures Of College Applications
A running storyline throughout Gilmore Girls is the topic of college. Rory spent her time at Chilton constantly worrying about getting into Harvard, but she wasn't alone. Paris also used every single minute of the day to make sure she ended up at a good school.
Lane always wanted to go to a big college but her mom had other plans for her, and Dean got into school but couldn't continue once his marriage got in the way. Doing enough to get into a prestigious post-secondary school is taxing, and Gilmore Girls showed that transparency.
Undeniable Crushes On The "Bad Boy"
What’s a teenage drama without falling in love with the bad boy? Rory was dating Dean when Jess came to town but she couldn’t resist him.
She soon ended things with Dean and found herself in a whirlwind romance with the small-town bad boy, Jess. But, as is the case for many of these love affairs, their relationship was short-lasting and ended without closure.
Losing Your Virginity
The topic of losing one's virginity is a popular one in high school. It’s a time where hormones are running rapidly and teens are curious about the next step in their relationships.
In Gilmore Girls, Rory and Paris spoke about the topic when Paris lost her virginity to Jamie. The admission made Rory wonder about the topic and why she wasn’t ready yet. She eventually lost it to Dean (while he was still married). Lane and Rory also talked about losing their virginities when Zack tried putting the moves on Lane.
Overwhelming Stress For Not Being Able To Balance School & Play
It’s hard for teens to multitask when there’s so much going on. Balancing school, extracurricular activities, jobs, and personal lives are incredibly difficult. Gilmore Girls showed that torment honestly, especially with Rory and Paris. It was hard to spend time with loved ones or to make it to work on time when school took so much of one's life.
Teen Pregnancies Don't Always End Up With A Bad Ending
Gilmore Girls showed how hard it was for Lorelai as a single, teenage mother. She grew up in a life of privilege but didn’t want the same kind of upbringing for her daughter. When Rory was one, Lorelai left home and ran for Stars Hollow with little Rory—but her story didn’t end there.
Lorelai worked hard to make something of herself. By the end of the series, Lorelai owned her own business, got her college degree, and she made something of herself despite her hardships as a teenager.
Breakups & Makeups
Being a teenager means trying new things and dating different people, but, even though makeups and breakups are common for teenagers, it doesn't mean it's any easier.
Lane suffered a private breakup with Dave and later went through highs and lows with Zack. Paris was torn on her relationship with Jamie, but she ultimately called it quits for her professor, and, as every diehard knows, Rory and Lorelai went back and forth with their lovers.
Going To College Isn't For Everyone
Going to college is the next step for most high school graduates. These days, it's almost expected that a teen is going to college. But, what a lot of people don't always realize is that college isn't for everyone.
Sometimes following one's passion or taking time off to find out what they want to do is what's best. Lane and Dean both dropped out of school for other things, and even Jess opted for the non-college life and ended up with a job he loved.
After School Jobs
Getting an after-school job is normal for some high school students, as it's a way to stay busy and save up some money.
There were a few characters on the show who worked after school. Dean worked hard in Stars Hollow working at Doose's Market and doing odd jobs around town to help out. When Lane moved out of her mom's house, she started working at Luke's Diner. Likewise, Jess worked at Luke's Diner and Walmart as a way to avoid school. Running to work after a full day of school was relatable for students.
Hiding Small Things From Parents
Everyone from Rory to Jess lied to their parents throughout Gilmore Girls. Even though Rory and Lorelai were incredibly close, Rory withheld the truth from her mom on multiple occasions. But, what teenager didn't? Jess lied to Luke about cutting school, and Lane lied to her mom for years about her true identity. Telling white lies is just a part of growing up and learning what a person can get away with.
Junk Food & Takeout
Eating junk food and ordering takeout on a Friday night is a fond memory for most teenagers. It's a right of passage and an easy thing to do with friends. Rory made eating takeout an artform; watching her chow down on snacks and eating takeout Chinese food and pizza with friends brings adults right back to their time as teens.