The title might suggest otherwise, but Sex and the City was always more about love than sex. Carrie, Miranda, Charlotte, and even Samantha go through plenty of heartbreak and disappointment as they navigate single like in New York City. However, the good times outweigh the bad, and they never lose their faith in love or their confidence in themselves.
Their experiences strengthen them, and they always make the best out of every moment. Throughout the show, the women experience many romantic and heartwarming moments with the men in their lives, some of which rank among the show's most iconic scenes that fans never get tired of watching.
Samantha Holds Smith's Hand
Samantha's relationship with Smith is one of the most wholesome in the show. It starts as a casual affair but soon evolves into the most intimate and significant relationship of her life. One of their most unforgettable moments happens after Smith returns from a trip and Samantha realizes she missed him. He reciprocates the feeling and tries to hold her hand, but she rejects his advances, feeling like it's too intimate.
He finally confronts her and tells her it's not a big deal. Smith always knew the best way to ease Samantha's concerns, which is why they are so good together. This moment represents a highlight in their dynamic, showing that they really care about each other.
Aidan Proposes To Carrie
In reality, Aidan and Carrie's second relationship was over before it even began. He never forgave her for their past, and she always had reservations about him. Still, the two get engaged because they did love each other and thought that would be enough.
The proposal itself is very romantic. Aidan makes it seem like a spur-of-the-moment thing and gives Carrie a beautiful, elegant ring (even if his initial choice was less than adequate). The engagement wouldn't last, but the sight of Aidan kneeling in the middle of the street, hopeful face and eyes blinking in anticipation, makes it easy to understand why Carrie said yes.
Steve Sets Up Miranda's Wi-fi Connection
Sometimes, the best kind of romance doesn't rely on grand gestures. It can be something as simple as an understanding look or a warm hug. Steve and Miranda's relationship is full of these soft, delicate moments that make them a unique couple.
Once they get married and move to Brooklyn, Steve gives Miranda some happiness when he sets up their wi-fi, allowing her to read her Tattle Tale (she loves it, it's her thing, let it go). Moments like this, when he shows he knows her and accepts her for who she is, confirm they're perfect for each other.
Richard And Samantha Dance Together
Every fan could tell that Richard Wright was bad news. He was a player who Samantha thought could be monogamous. However, his basic instincts got the best of him, ending the relationship. The two seem to get along at first, though.
One of their most memorable scenes comes in the season 4 episode "The Good Fight," when she still resists any form of romance. After diving into the pool, Richard invites Samantha to dance. It's one of the most intimate moments in the show, the perfect mix of sexy and romantic that almost makes the audience feel like intruders in the couple's moment.
Smith Waits For Samantha
Richard and Samantha's relationship eventually ends after she realizes she cannot trust him. Later, when she starts dating Smith, she becomes tired of what she perceives as immaturity and lack of experience on his part. While attending a party, she bumps into Richard and decides to go to his room, leaving Smith at the party and practically ending their relationship.
She indeed sleeps with Richard but immediately regrets it. She feels nothing but guilt over her treatment of Smith. As she steps out of the elevator, she finds him, as he tells her he "just wanted to make sure (she) got home safe." Samantha bursts out crying, confused at her actions, but he's there to catch her. It's a powerful moment for both characters and the confirmation that, despite their flaws, they made each other better people.
Harry Is All For Adoption
Charlotte never imaged herself with someone like Harry. He wasn't the blue-blooded, old-money Upper East Side prince she envisioned, but he turned out to be everything she ever wanted.
The moment he truly wins her heart is when she admits she may never have children. Instead of refusing her or making a big deal out of it, Harry shrugs it off. He says there are other alternatives, reassuring her that he loves and wants to be with her. A supportive partner is crucial when going through something so challenging, and Harry proved to be Charlotte's ideal man with a few simple words.
Big Tells Carrie She's The One
One of the most controversial parts of the series is the love story at its center. Big and Carrie's relationship is slightly toxic and overly complicated, but it's clear they love each other. She never gives up on him, and he always holds a special place for her in his heart, even if he can't make it all the way to a commitment.
In the show's final episode, and after she moves to Paris, Big finally realizes he wants to be with her and goes to find her. He confesses his love, telling her she's "the one," and the two go back to New York. Love them or hate them, Big and Carrie had to end together, and this scene cements their place among television's timeless couples.
Miranda Tells Steve She Loves Him
Miranda and Steve's relationship goes through many obstacles. It takes her a long time to admit she loves him and even more for her to confess it. And even though they both try to move on from each other, their feelings never disappear.
Things reach a boiling point during Brady's one-year party. Miranda, touched by one of Steve's many meaningful details, finally says the words. To her shock, he reciprocates her feelings, and the two share a passionate kiss. Fans always knew the two would find their way back to each other, but seeing them saying the words out loud with such ease was enough to melt everyone's hearts.
Harry Proposes To Charlotte
"Hop, Skip, and a Week" is a crucial episode for Harry and Charlotte. After briefly breaking up because of her insistence that he proposes, they meet again at a singles mixer at their temple, and Charlotte tearfully confesses she misses him. She asks if there's a chance to get back together, and he surprises her by kneeling and proposing. Charlotte, of course, says yes, and the entire temple claps in joy.
The fact that Harry had the ring in his jacket says a lot about the moment. He expected to see Charlotte and wanted to propose. But it's her reaction before the proposal that makes the scene so meaningful. She is willing to meet him halfway, not as a married couple, but as a couple, plain and simple. It's a touching moment that highlights the best parts of their relationship.
Smith Shaves His Head
In season six, Samantha discovers she has cancer. When her hair starts falling off, she tries to break things off with Smith, saying she doesn't want to put him through the ordeal and telling him he "can't handle it." He then shaves his head, too, demonstrating his commitment to her.
Samantha is right, and he can't know what she's going through. However, his act lets her know he is there for her, supporting and, most importantly, loving her. Not a lot of men would show that kind of commitment or resilience. His empathy finally tears down her last defenses, making this one of the most important scenes in Samantha and Smith's relationship and a fan-favorite moment.