Ten years ago, as an 18-year-old teenager, I often reflected on love, life and fashion.Sex and the Citywas more than a series; it was an open conversation about being a woman. Each character seemed to offer me a mold of what I could be: Carrie, with her passionate prose; Samantha, with her indomitable freedom; Charlotte, with her eternal optimism; and Miranda, with her relentless strength. All dedicated to achieving their personal and professional goals, always impeccably dressed.
Now, a decade later and closer to 30, I revisit the streets of New York through the eyes of this same series, due to its recent inclusion on Netflix. Thanks to therapy, I no longer look for external references to shape my identity. Today, life, with its encounters and mismatches, has taught me that we are processes in constant development, discovering and building ourselves simultaneously.
But why return toSex and the City?
At first glance, what could a series steeped in elitism, racial homogeneity and a heteronormative vision from the early 2000s offer today? Although many taboos from the beginning of the century are no longer relevant, and many of the series’ concepts are dated, the core of the narrative touches on a still sensitive point: the social pressure that continues to be imposed on women.
The expectation that, before thirty, a woman should have achieved a career, marriage and children still persists. In my opinion, this is what makes the series, with all its limitations and triumphs, so critically topical.
The main characters, all navigating life beyond thirty, offer a fascinating counterpoint to the preconceived idea that everything should be settled at this age. The series teaches us, with great humor, that real life doesn’t follow a fixed script and that turning thirty is just the beginning of many adventures and discoveries.
The four women celebrate the freedom and financial stability they’ve achieved in their careers and the friendships they’ve built that strengthen them in the big city. In my opinion, this is the great secret to a happy single life: true friendships! And, of course, having the freedom and financial stability to go on lively dates with your friends isn’t bad either.
It’s wonderful that in the very first season, we can see the characters discussing the privilege that society confers on people who are in a relationship, and how singles, especially single women, are viewed with suspicion and sometimes hostility.
Many episodes revolve around the protagonists’ misadventures in love, reminding us how fun and exciting the early stages of a relationship can be, while at the same time addressing how stressful these encounters can be. The character of Mr. Big represents a type we’ve all encountered: the emotionally unavailable person, raising interesting reflections on the relationship with someone like that.
Although some episodes can be criticized (such as those dealing with bisexuality and psychotherapy), I am still captivated by the distinct authenticity and style of the 20-minute episodes.
In short,Sex and the Cityis a light-hearted series that should be watched bearing in mind that it is a product of its time, the early 2000s. But as well as being entertaining, it can be a fun way to expand the possibilities of being single after 30 and an incentive to invest in friendships with other women who are living similar lives to yours!
I hope you find purpose and meaning in all phases of life, at any marital status! If you’re finding it difficult, don’t hesitate to seek professional help.
