“Follow your dreams, not your boyfriends”
By Ava DiSalle
Edited by Anna Kate Mereness
“P.S. follow your dreams, not your boyfriends.” - Gillian Anderson
We all have probably heard this line before, rather it be on TikTok, a Pinterest quote, etc. This popular message was read by actress Gillian Anderson as a letter of advice to her 16 year old self.
The recording of her reading this letter is informational and humbling as she exposes the realities of growing up. The short, but very powerful letter combines good solitude with wisdom. She goes on to tell her younger self what she will do with her life, and how her self esteem and self-worth increases as she grows. She does “esteemable things” that fuels her with the power and gratitude to see that the world is bigger than what she thought at age 16. It's a message of tough love and coming of age.
Beyond the ode to herself, is the most recognizable part of the letter. She closes it out with this: “P.S. follow your dreams, not your boyfriends.”
Whatever her intention was, I think that the world took it and ran with it.While the whole piece is inspiring, this specific part lives on nearly 15 years after its debut. Often depicted in TikTok videos about female empowerment and societal independence. I see these videos frequently and always save them to my favorites.
This message, although short and sweet, has left an indelible impression on many. Mixed with a popular song, photos of women protesting, and female show characters who defied the odds, the endless power of a woman is highlighted. Any dream from any woman is important, but society tells us differently.
It pays homage to gender equality and the things women struggle with on a daily basis. It reminds women that their goals, ambitions, and that happiness should never have to come second to a relationship or someone else’s expectations. Although love and relationships can be meaningful parts of life, they should never require women to sacrifice the dreams that make them who they are. Ultimately, following your dreams is not about choosing ambition over love, it's about choosing yourself, for yourself.
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