Samantha Really Is the Balancing Force in Sex and the City
Rewatching SATC was such a different experience, but what became obvious is how motivational Samantha Jones is.
I always felt like more of a Carrie. Not that I was hopelessly obsessed with a “Mr. Big,” but she went on a lot of dates that went nowhere. Who can’t relate to that? I also wanted a soulmate the way Carrie and Charlotte always seemed to, so their journeys resonated with me. However, as I rewatch, I can’t but think, Samantha Jones knew what she was doing.
Samantha Lived Her Life and Dated Everyone
Just because she didn’t want to settle down doesn’t mean she was sitting at home. She got out there and dated everyone. She had an array of lovers with no expectations, but was always open to what life had to offer. When the right people came along, Samantha tried to commit. Remember Richard? He was powerful, a successful business owner like herself, rich, and cocky. She loved him so much and didn’t close herself off to the opportunity.
Remember Smith who was younger and more emotionally available than Sam was? Smith often tried to take her out of her comfort zone. Sometimes, she ended up tumbling down some stairs (when he tried to hold her hand), but she always pushed herself to stay open. To the point where she followed him out to LA. She even dated Maria who was monogamy-minded and sensitive. Samantha learned all about dating women, having sex with women, and committing a woman.
But Samantha Jones Always Knew When to End Things
Unlike the other ladies and most of the us average beings, she knew when her relationships were over. When she couldn’t give Maria what she needed (like endless conversation, baths, and commitment), she knew the relationship had run its course.
I love you, but I love me more
She even let Richard go because he had problems with commitment and monogamy. One of my favorite lines was when Samantha told him, “I love you, but I love me more” after she ran up flights of stairs to see if he was cheating again.
While I’m veering into the movie category, she left Smith too. She helped him create a huge Hollywood career, but wasn’t the type of woman to wait around for her man to notice her. They had grown apart. What’s amazing about all of this, is that she let each lover go before it became all hurtful hatred after endless disappointments.
Samantha Jones Knew What She Didn’t Want
From the beginning, Samantha never wanted a marriage or kids. There was no pondering, doubts, or concerns coming from Samantha about dying alone. Nor could anyone ever call her a “cat lady.” When faced with cancer, she was strong, resilient, and prepared. This woman would give Betty White a run for her money when it comes to being awesome during her 80s and 90s. Samantha is the woman who can show all of us, getting older isn’t an ending. Life doesn’t stop just because we age. And most importantly, when we make healthy choices, we can live our lives to the fullest.
If you want to read more on my experience rewatching SATC at Carrie’s age, you can read this post.
