Hannah and Adam in Girls
I just finished watching “Girls,” a TV series that aired from 2012 to 2017, about four friends navigating life in New York City. One particularly emotional episode left a lasting impression: Season 4, episode 5, “Sit In."
This episode was like an indie film itself. It rawly depicted the pain of having to move on from someone who left without a goodbye. I could feel Hannah’s pain but also Adam’s pain of telling Hannah that he moved on. Hannah feels a deep sense of betrayal at his newfound connection after just a month of her absence in Iowa. Returning home, she’s confronted with Adam and this new woman, leaving her utterly numb.
Imagine coming home and losing your safe space, significant other who just told you that they loved you a month ago, and just a place to sleep.
Hannah’s friends may not seem like they are helping her move on, but they do. Each of them has their own way of showing Hannah the need to let go of the situation, even if it’s difficult. Despite being portrayed as selfish, Marnie responds to Hannah’s sad comment about their relationship not being a great, artistic love story with “maybe we are.” Marnie truly sticks to her comment to the very end of the series.
We often expect our significant other or our love story to fulfill everything. However, the show demonstrates how different characters influence and enrich Hannah’s life. Adam has significantly changed how Hannah processes her emotions and taught her when to seek support and lean on others. Marnie shows that sometimes you have to persevere even when things are difficult. Jessa allows her to know that people can be unreliable, but they can also grow and change. Shoshana teaches Hannah the valuable truth that some relationships aren’t worth the effort to maintain. Hannah’s parents also demonstrate the complexity of families. A love story doesn’t have to be only romance or only one person. It could be multiple relationships in your life.
Oh, ’cause I’m
So sick of dreamin’
Oh, and I’m
All that I’m needin’
If you think that life without me’s like a heart attack
Take a long look in the mirror and be good with that
Oh, ’cause I’m
So sick of dreamin’, yeah, yeah, yeah
from “So Sick of Dreaming” by Maggie Rogers
