Last night I had to face it. The truth. My addiction.
I guess as confessions go, it could be worse. So here it is. I’ll just spit it out. I am an addict. Yes – I am addicted to Sex and the City. To the series. The movies. And it’s been going on for some time now. Years. Behind closed doors.
When I’m down, I pop a DVD into my laptop and lose myself in a classic episode. When I’m up? I celebrate, by giving myself a little time, just before bed, with the fabulous four – Carrie, Samantha, Miranda and Charlotte.
When my heart aches, I dig out an episode of Carrie and Big, or Carrie and Aiden. When I miss my Parisian adventures? What could be better than Season 6, with Carrie and Petrovsky on the Right Bank? Or our heroine, when she first arrived in the City of Lights, beaming at the view of the Eiffel Tower?
Yes. It’s my pop culture Bible. My guilty pleasure. My dirty little secret. And now I’m letting it all hang out, because I know I cannot be alone, and there is no 12-step program. And if there were? You couldn’t drag me to a meeting. (Unless there were viewings of Season 1, Season 2, Season 3…)
Women and friendships
I popped by Nicki’s Nook last evening, and she was discussing her plans to see the newest Sex and the City movie, opening in May. She offered the official Sex and the City Movie trailer on her post, and of course, I dug in. Hungrily. I watched. Watched again. Then went to the web, and looked for more.
So what is the enduring appeal of Sex and the City?
Several men I know shake their heads, insisting that the raw talk among the four women in the original series is unrealistic (not so), that no women would speak to each other the way they do. Those women, of course – Sarah Jessica Parker (Carrie), Kim Cattrall (Samantha), Cynthia Nixon (Miranda), and Kristen Davis (Charlotte). The conclusion of these gentlemen? Men and women both enjoy the show for the sex, or sexy scenes. Because these women exhibit a freedom that doesn’t exist in real life.
While I might agree there is validity to both reasons (and disagree about the openness among some women), for me, it’s all about friendship. The kind of very special friendship that women build, as portrayed in the series. The sort of friendship that outlasts almost everything else – family, of one’s own choosing.
The characters in Sex and the City represent the best characteristics in loving, trusting, female friendships. Laughter, honesty, nurturing, support. No tearing each other down. No competitiveness or cattiness, as so many believe to be the norm among women. (Can anyone spell “Real Housewives?”)
As for the frank conversations, particularly in the series, not only do I applaud the original writers and producers, but I suspect SATC provided an education for some of us (I admit I learned a few things). Perhaps we also gave ourselves permission to own both sexual candor, and vulnerability.
Women’s fashion (and shoes, shoes, shoes)
The other reason we watch Sex and the City? Fashion!
What’s not to love about the amazing clothes these women wear? Extraordinary designer duds that dazzle and delight. And the shoes! Be still my heart, or I may swoon as I type this, just thinking of the Manolos in the original series, and the Louboutins that bewitched me in the first Sex and the City Movie. Who will it be this time? The footwear designer bound to seduce us with fanciful and flamboyant heels?
What’s not to love about the wardrobe choices that most of us would never dare to assemble, or simply couldn’t afford to?
Family
I fully expect that we will also get doses of the ups and downs of family life in our upcoming two-hour extravaganza. The honeymoon may be over for Big and Carrie, Charlotte’s realizing that two young children can be a handful, and we can anticipate a few bumps in the road, as evidenced by the trailer.
What else, for those counting down the days, like myself?
A wild ride – frivolous, fun, no doubt more far-fetched than the first film (Abu Dhabi??) – but like all good fans and those seeking a dose of upbeat entertainment, I’ll be thrilled to see the movie. These women are wonderful to watch, as are the men who enrich their fictional lives. Seeing these characters continue to play and grow together with their children, just like the rest of us – all glitz and glam aside – is like visiting dear friends. A little glimpse into a self, or a satisfying imagined self.
My “secret single behavior?” This! And as addictions go – mighty fine.
Well, this is what I love about blogging. Not suspecting and then discovering secret addictions like this! I only saw the series when it came out on DVD and got hooked that way. You’re right tho, it is something we hide, like my fascination with America’s Next Top Model (passed on to me via my 2 daughters, damn them). Like we must be intellectual and sophisticated all the time, right?
I do think you’re right; it’s about the friendship and choosing our family from our friends. And shoes. Always about shoes.
Yes, yes, and yes. And speaking of shoes – look at this detail from the Carrie outfit – of the shoes. Why oh why am I not the long lost love child of the CEO of DSW??
Those shoes are, indeed, amazing. I’d kill myself trying to walk in them, though.
I love Sex and the City. Was completely addicted when it was on cable. Miranda is my favorite!
I love Miranda, too! The voice of reason, and cynicism, with a heart of gold. (I’m dying to know whose shoes those are… I’d give them a shot in a New York minute!)
I loved those shoes without the close up. Not that I could walk in them if I owned them.
I love SATC. It is the friendship. It is the diversity of the four women yet the common bonds. It is how they work at keeping it going through men, other women, relationships, time, travel.
Isn’t their friendship wonderful? Doesn’t it remind you that we can all survive – and thrive – through remarkable ups and downs, especially when we’ve built ourselves that “village?” It’s not just for raising kids. It’s for us. For each other. And thank you for your post that got me happily viewing the trailer on youtube.
I LOVE SATC!!! So glad to know you do too. I am a Miranda girl, with a dash of Carrie here and a Charlotte there (although the latter is mostly wardrobe related). Watching SATC is my secret single behavior, and I remember that episode all too well, especially when I’m eating on my feet, in my kitchen.
I would do anything for the friendships portrayed here. But I at least have a Miranda in my life, and I absolutely cherish her. And I have my Smith, not that I’m much like Samantha, but watching their relationship blossom reminds me of what I have with My Guy, except better, since he is real. And yes, watching them strut their stuff makes me more intrepid with my own fashion choices.
I love that we can connect to them in so many ways, regardless of how unrealistic many people think this show is.
Yes! Even in the far-fetched plots, we can relate to these women on many levels. (Eating on your feet in the kitchen… smiling… )
I’d so love to go see this with you!
Maybe we need a virtual viewing party. We can all put on hot shoes and pour smart drinks into cool glasses (or kool-aid into sippy cups – who cares!) – and we’ll tweet after! (But not during. I know I’ll be verrrrrry focused on the pleasure of catching up with friends Carrie, Charlotte, Miranda, Samantha… and taking in all the fashion – and the shoes, in particular.)
I share your addiciton, BLW. I broke down and got HBO because of SATC even though I was hardly ever home on Sunday nights when it was on. I’m not like any of them but the outfits are often delicious, the conversations decadent and gossipy, and the feelings raw and real. And I confess to crying my eyes out at almost every episode. It’s just like how I watch Borthers and Sisters now — floodgates flung wide open.
I love love love Sex and the City and I am not ashamed to admit. One of the best night of my life? Opening night of the first movie in a packed theater in NYC. The crowd was wild!
Can’t wait to see the new one. Aiden is in it! Enough said.
Oh yeah. Drop an Aiden in my life any day. 🙂 John Corbett – are you listening?
Oh how I love that show. I also can’t get enough of it and can’t wait to grab a girlfriend to see the next one. I so yearn for more nights with friends like that. Just Being together. Being real. Being true. I think so many of us love that show because we either can relate or so badly Want to relate to one (or more) of the characters in the show. I’m told I look like Charlotte but oh how I WANT to be more like Carrie!
And those shoes? Damn. I love those shoes and would wear them in a second. And then probably never walk again.
Oh, thank you for the excuse to go and watch the trailer all over again. I am beyond excited to see the sequel – Aidan! Hell-o!
I also love learning such interesting tidbits about some of my other blogging friends’ SSB’s: Maureen and America’s Next Top Model?! (A former guilty pleasure of yours truly before Tyra began to drive me nuts.) And Belinda and Brothers & Sisters? (Still a favorite for me.)
Favorite episode, anybody? One that leaps to my mind is “My Motherboard, Myself” (the one in which Miranda’s mother dies).
It’s funny but I only started watching SATC as reruns, after I’d gotten divorced and was thrust back into the dating world again at midlife and started my blog.
So, things would happen to me or my friends as midlife daters, and I’d scratch my head in wonder — is this what it’s like now? — and then I’d sit down to watch an old episode of SATC a few days with my kid (who turned me onto it!) … and … it would address an issue that either a friend or I had just experienced as divorcees! Talk about art imitating life!
I couldn’t really care too much about the fashion (half of the time they were overdressed or looked like idiots, just my opinion) but I did get the shoes. And I agree; they supported each other, as friends should. Otherwise, why bother?
Okay, fine, I’ll give in to all these recommendations (and addictions) from all my friends. I’ll start with season one and start watching. Just part of everything on TV I missed since I got married, that’s all.
And, I don’t want to depress you, BLW, but right in the middle of your page there was this awful ad for Crocs! Can you imagine?
Crocs. Oh that’s too good! (Would Carrie wear Crocs?)
Okay, I’m feeling a bit ashamed to admit, I have NEVER seen an epsiode. No kidding. I’m not sure why, because by the sounds of things I would most certainly love it!
Carrie could totally pull off Crocs. But only with her gold “Carrie” necklace and her giant flower pin. =>
My favorite episodes: when Big and Aiden duke it out in the country, when Burger breaks up with Carrie on a post-it, when Brady turns one and Miranda and Steve realize they want to be together, when Big goes to Paris to “get our girl” … well, I guess I love them all. Can’t wait for the movie!
Ha, Stacia! Yes, I believe Carrie could pull off the Crocs. You’re right. (And the Carrie necklace and flower pin are making me smile.)
Favorite episodes? OMG – how can you choose? There are so many. But I love those you referenced. Other faves out there? (I loved the one where Big has to have the surgery, and he and Carrie finally get close, they play dominos, and then – yes – he screws it up. Also loved the one a few seasons earlier where he moves to Napa, and he and Carrie have an impromptu dance – very Breakfast at Tiffany’s, and oh so New York. Moonriver, wasn’t it?)
Alright girls…you’ve got your work cut out for you. Although I have adored the few episodes of Sex in the City that I’ve seen, I have not seen enough. And, drum roll please, I wear crocs. A lot.
You’ve simply got to help.
But you MUST know where I live. It is muddy here all the time. Heels are laughable. My neighbors, who raise cattle, gawfaw because I don’t wear irrigation boots.
I am displaced and dying to find my virtual pair of heels. With leopard skin nonetheless. Or red. Red shoes that sparkle maybe. You tell me.
I am every bit an artist. The more color the better. Big earrings. Beads.
And here I am stuck in ranch land (which I love) using tools (when the sun shines) and skiing (when the snow flies). So, how is a girl to gain some glamour?
Rebecca – we will pull out all the stops to find you – at the very least – both your ideal leopard skin delights, as well as hot every-woman-must-have-some heels.
And kudos for a lusty love of color, beads and big on the earrings – and might I be hearing a truly independent spirit when it comes to personal style?
When you aren’t in the trenches, with the tools, or on the slopes, are there occasional moments where fab footwear might be appreciated? (Dare I ask – even behind closed doors?)
PS (all in the name of data gathering) – what is your favored heel height should you be encouraged to sashay in something sexy? (There’s a little of everything available – from 1″ to 6″!)
When I read this post, and all these comments, I feel like an anthropologist observing the fetishes of a fascinating tribe. I’m afraid that it wouldn’t suit me to go “native” with you guys (and knowing the creator of the show, this may just be the line were I run head-on into my male heterosexuality).
Still, I love to take an interest even in what wouldn’t seem to interest me (or at least in those who I care about’s interests).
I’ll be waiting for the post-film analysis. Happy movies.
“…. where I run head-on into my male heterosexuality”
Got a good laugh out of that, Bruce. No SATC 2 for you, hmm? Practically cult-like, I know. Very Rocky Horror Picture Show, without throwing things into the audience or Susan Sarandon. Although if they threw Jimmy Choo’s I’d be fine with that…
Chris Noth in Sex & the City 2 was so much fun.
7 of my friends and me went to see Sex & the City 2. We all liked Sarah Jessica Parker as Carrie Bradshaw the best.
Oh my gosh! I came across your blog because I googled “I’m addicted to Sex and The City.” I literally think I am. I’ve been going through a down period recently, and I find that having it on, even in the background, is comforting and uplifting. I feel like it gives me hope that life can somehow get better.
Oh, Caroline – I’m so glad I’m not the only one! I couldn’t agree with you more (I play my DVDs far more than I’m willing to admit) – it’s like having friends visit, don’t you think? I, too, find these women comforting, real, and uplifting.
I’m so glad you stopped by, and hope you will again.