My favorite kind of celebrity couple is one where each person is such an independently cool human on their own that they create an exponentially cooler Cool Force when combined as a duo. For this reason, I'm pleased to announced that Amber Tamblyn and David Cross are expecting a baby girl. Obviously people became obsessed with Cross as Tobias Fünke in Arrested Development, and Tamblyn won over fans' hearts in Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants as Tibby Rollins, so this is some seriously talented DNA. I wish I had words of wisdom for soon-to-be-new-parents Tamblyn and Cross, because the way I like to celebrate a momentous occasion between two strangers is by giving them unsolicited advice. However, I'm not a parent myself, so I'm afraid I have very little to offer here.
But you know who does have something to offer? Tamblyn herself, whose work in the Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants franchise is just rife with lessons to be learned. The tight-knit foursome comprised of Lena Kaligaris, Carmen Lowell, Bridget Vreeland, and Tibby has plenty to teach any viewer, but especially little girls who need inspiration. The films have such strong themes of friendship and loyalty that I'm betting I can come up with a bunch of life lessons without even having to relinquish the remote. So pass the pants, and let's let Tibby drop some wisdom.
1. Let Your Emotions Out
The people who really love you will accept you as you are, so never try to hide behind anything else or pretend to be someone you're not. If you're angry, get angry. If you're sad, feel that sadness. Nothing good ever came from trying to tamp down your emotions.
2. Do What You Love
Sometimes you might have to put in time at jobs that aren't your favorite (and that's an important lesson too), but the ultimate goal should be to find a fulfilling career that you're passionate about.
3. Don't Overthink Things
The earlier in life you can learn to trust that little voice inside your head, the better. Or maybe it's in your gut — I think the voice in your head is the one always saying the wrong thing. Anyway, figure out how to trust your intuition early on, because as you can see, I haven't quite mastered it yet.
4. Fail A Lot
Get comfortable being bad at stuff, because that's how you get good at stuff. The more you fail in front of people, the less high the stakes will seem, until finally you realize it's all part of the learning process.
5. Be Kind
That's different from being nice, mind you. I don't think Tibby — or really any of the girls — would tell you to be nice, because that isn't always the most honest reaction. Be yourself, but hold a soft, empathetic place in your heart. It will make you a better person and help you to live a life that makes you proud.
6. Stay In School
It's a trope for a reason. Education and learning are always good things, and you should nurture your instinct for curiosity and follow wherever it leads you.
7. Love Yourself
You only get one body, so celebrate it in whatever form it's in. Sure, you might not come across a magical pair of pants that fits you and your three friends of varying body types, but the true magic is in accepting and loving yourself as you are.
8. There's No Need For Pants Indoors
Can't emphasize this one enough.
9. Hugs Are Important
Receive them as often as you can, and give them out even more.
10. Take Your Time Growing Up
There are scary things and big decisions out there awaiting you, so go at your own pace and don't feel like you need to speed ahead. Things will come to you in their own time — and probably before you're ready, to be honest. Try to explore the moment you're in, instead of letting it rush by.
11. Find Your Clique
And finally, obviously, find that group of people with whom you are most yourself and never let them go. Well, I mean, let them go about their lives because clutching people to you is creepy, but hold them somewhere special. You know, like in the back pocket of that very dirty pair of jeans you all share.
Images: Warner Bros.; Giphy (11)
