Things I Learned From Movies

LESSON TWO:

"One of the benefits of being a young lady is it's not up to you. It's up to the young man."

If you know what this line is from, then you are amazing and we are kindred spirits. This is from the classic film "Gidget." In the movie Francie "Gidget" Lawrence starts the show by going on a "man hunt" with her friends. She is reluctant at first but as she meets Moondoggie and she matures emotionally she begins to try to acquire and use some feminine wiles aka technique. Ultimately "after hours of concentrated effort [she] comes home as pure as the driven snow." So basically after all of her scheming and plotting for man-affection, it doesn't really do much good. (Okay, it does some good since Moondoggie does get jealous and fights his mentor for her honor...but that's not the point.) Gidget's mother delivers the line that is the basis for today's lesson. So what exactly does Gidget teach us...that scheming and technique are okay as first steps. But ultimately if you're going to "get pinned" or "go steady" the young man has to take charge. And that's a benefit. Because all young ladies need to do is just be around and fun and generally pleasant and appealing, and young men have to do all the hard scary work. Or at least that's how it should be.
So really the lesson is...young men, get some courage and take charge. Young ladies shouldn't have to take control.