LIFE LESSONS WE LEARN FROM THE INTERN
There are only a few movies that manage to smother a mushy smile on our faces while teaching some valuable life lessons. Robert De Niro and Anne Hathaway in The Intern make an excellent effort in doing just that. No spoilers, just some highlights.
EXPERIENCE NEVERS GET OLD.
Life is a dynamic process. Even though it might seem too much to handle at times, it is what it is. Much of its legitimacy is actually realised after retirement when all ends meet and life becomes static. Well, it can also come much earlier but what's important is to not lose the music in you and go out there and do something out of the box. Sometimes, things we do out of our comfort zone give us the most cherished experiences and no one is ever too old to witness the joys that it brings with it.
VINTAGE IS ADORABLE.
The definition of “cool” may vary from generation to generation, but there are certain things that remain classic. Dressing to impress, chivalry, loyalty, honesty: now that's what women really dig. Sorry, boys.
SOCIAL MEDIA ISN'T THE ANSWER TO EVERYTHING.
It's only human to make mistakes, but how you own up to it says a lot about you. If you've wronged someone, do apologise and mean it. But NOT in social media. No amount of tweets or emotional texts can replace heartfelt, face-to-face confessions. Communication is the key to any relationship, and it's essential we do it in person to ensure that the relationship stays between two people and not between two gadgets.
FIRST IMPRESSIONS AREN'T ALWAYS CORRECT.
The Intern mildly showcases an important lesson we learned from watching Severus Snape: first impressions aren't always the last impression. Despite being guilty of possessing this demeaning tendency myself, I do know for a fact that sometimes there are more to people than what meets the eye. It's always nice to try a little harder to get to know someone. You might not look forward to it, but they might just sweep you off your feet in ways you would have never imagined.
MAKE A LIFE NOT JUST A LIVING.
On your last day, would you want to be surrounded with PowerPoint presentations and research papers or your loved ones? Normal people would choose the latter but I can't talk on behalf of aliens. The point is, one shouldn't be so caught up running after monetary success that they lag behind in other aspects of life.
Life is about balance, and it's vital we learn how to strike it. So call your friends, meet your parents, and set a date with your beloved ones and stop being so darn serious. Make each moment count because you only live once.
Rafidah Rahman is a teeny-tiny Hulk, she's always angry and she's always hungry. A cynical dreamer and a food enthusiast, she's your everyday entertainment. Correspond with her at rafidahrahman93@gmail.com.