The show Pretty Little Liars follows a group of friends dealing with a psycho-stalker who calls themselves "A." The series, which ran for 7 seasons, includes many ups and downs for Alison, Aria, Spencer, Hanna, and Emily. Within this larger group, individual relationships exist.
Perhaps the most interesting relationship between these girls is the relationship between Hanna and Spencer. In some ways, these girls are very similar and in other ways, they couldn't be more opposite. Unlike many of the girls who seem on bad terms when the series first begins, Hanna and Spencer seem to have mutual respect for each other. Still, this friendship dubbed "Spanna" isn't always as supportive as it should be. Here are 10 reasons why Spencer and Hanna aren't real friends.
Intelligence Wars
Spencer is known for her intelligence. Hanna - not so much. Spencer is quick to remind Hanna of this, constantly correcting her grammar and mistakes. While this may seem like it's "all in good fun," it is clear that this makes Hanna very uncomfortable. She is constantly spitting back sarcastic remarks at Spencer with an annoyed expression on her face.
There is no reason to continue to correct your friend on insignificant errors, especially if it's clearly making them uncomfortable or self-conscious.
Spencer Worries Hanna About Her Mother's Trial
Spencer's mom is a lawyer who provides counsel to Hanna's mom when she is accused of murder. After overhearing her mom discussing legal strategies with her father, Spencer decides to go over to Hanna's house to let her know that it's likely her mom will be going to jail for a long time.
This is probably the least helpful thing Spencer could have done. Why go over to your friend's house and further stress them out? The case is only in its beginning stages meaning anything could happen. Spencer should have just comforted Hanna and kept what she overheard to herself.
Spencer's Reaction to Hanna Missing
In season 7, Hanna is kidnapped by A. The girls are told that if they do not find Hanna within 24 hours, she will be murdered. While a large group originally sets-out to find her, it is suggested that it is better for only a few to go. Spencer seems to think this makes total sense and is happy to wait around while the others search.
She ends up spending the time trying to learn more about Mary Drake. While she believes Mary Drake may be connected to Hanna's disappearance, Spencer seems very calm during the whole ordeal and seems more interested in learning all she can about Mary Drake than she is worried about Hanna. This reaction seems especially awful when compared to how Hanna frantically searched for Spencer when she was missing.
Spencer Tells Caleb About A
Hanna really cares for Caleb and wants to shelter him from "A." She knows that if Caleb knows what is going on, he will be unnecessarily put in harm's way. Spencer knows this and completely disregards Hanna's feelings.
She seeks Caleb out behind her back and asks him to help her hack a phone. In order to get him to help, she tells Caleb everything that is happening with "A" and then lies to Hanna to keep her from knowing she got Caleb involved.
Lying To Each Other
You would think that after all these two have been through together, they would learn the importance of being honest with each other. The constant use of their lies against them does not encourage Spencer or Hanna to be more honest with each other.
They clearly feel they can not openly share with each other due to fear of judgment and lack of trust. This is a pretty significant problem in their relationship and it prevents them from being able to fully support each other in their times of need.
Hanna's Treatment Of Spencer's Drug Addiction
Drug addiction is a serious problem. Users struggle greatly to battle this challenge and in order to be successful, they need a strong support system. Unfortunately, Hanna seems to use "tough love" and passive-aggressive remarks in her attempt to dissuade Spencer's drug use.
You would think that Hanna, who struggled with her own addiction - an eating disorder, would understand Spencer and be able to properly support and assist her in her recovery. Instead, she only further isolates and judges Spencer.
Hanna Kissing Wren
Wren is an awful person. He was first introduced when engaged to Spencer's sister, Melissa. This doesn't stop him from pursuing Spencer and the two share a few intimate moments. This flirtation has a very negative impact on Spencer's relationships with her family.
Knowledge of this doesn't stop Hanna from later having her own intimate moment with Wren. You would think she would have learned from what happened with him and Spencer.
Torturing Each Other
One of Pretty Little Liars most insane storylines is "the dollhouse." The girls were all captured here and kept imprisoned and forced to torture each other. Both girls were willing to do awful things to each other to spare themselves from receiving consequences.
At one point, Spencer also joined the "A team" and was willing to torture Hanna and share damaging information about her. While this was done in an attempt to eventually bring down "A", she was still willing to hurt Hanna to get what she wanted. She could have at least given her a warning.
Spencer Dating Caleb
Caleb and Hanna were in a serious relationship for a very long time. The others became close friends with Caleb due to his relationship with Hanna. Though Hanna cared deeply for Caleb, their relationship failed in season 5 due to conflicts surrounding Hanna's career. This breakup was soul-crushing for Hanna as she gave up a work opportunity to rush back to Caleb only to find he had left.
After Hanna and Caleb broke up, Spencer entered into a relationship with him. Although the Hanna and Caleb weren't together at the time, it seems wrong from Spencer to enter into a relationship with Caleb considering his history with Hanna. Hanna then ends up kissing Caleb while he is with Spencer, leading to their breakup. Caleb and Hanna then resume their relationship and get married. This love-triangle is super messy and neither girl demonstrates respect for each other.
Spencer Victim Blames Hanna
Hanna is assaulted by Zack, Ella's fiancé. After this, she is uncomfortable and distraught. She struggles with what to do before eventually confiding in her friends about what happened. The first person she tells is Aria, who basically calls Hanna a drunken slut and says that she must have pursued him.
When Hanna confides in Spencer and Emily, they ask Hanna if she could have misinterpreted what happened or if she was drinking. That's not what a good friend does when they learn about an assault.