This year marks the 35th anniversary of the beloved film Steel Magnolias, and its lessons on love, friendship, family, and resilience remain just as powerful as ever. From heart-wrenching moments to heartwarming laughter, this iconic film has impacted audiences in profound ways, and it continues to resonate decades after its release.
In honor of this milestone, we’re revisiting the essential life lessons we learned from Steel Magnolias—lessons that still guide us today.
1. Life Is Short, Live It Fully
One of the central themes in Steel Magnolias is Shelby’s determination to live a full and vibrant life, despite her battle with diabetes. Her decision to marry, have children, and follow her passions—despite the risks to her health—teaches us that life is precious. No matter how much time we have, we should make the most of it, pursuing joy, love, and experiences that matter to us. Shelby’s mantra of “I’d rather have 30 minutes of wonderful than a lifetime of nothing special” reminds us to embrace life’s fleeting moments.
2. True Friendship Is a Lifeline
In Steel Magnolias, the women’s friendship provides the emotional backbone of the story. Whether they’re offering advice, sharing laughs, or supporting each other through difficult times, these women show that true friendship is about unconditional love and trust. The relationships in the movie remind us that we need friends who are there for us in good times and bad—and who will stand by us when life gets tough.
3. Family Is Everything, Even When It’s Complicated
The complicated yet deeply loving relationship between M’Lynn and Shelby is at the heart of Steel Magnolias. While their bond is tested by Shelby’s illness and M’Lynn’s protective nature, the film shows that family, with all its complexities, remains our strongest support system. Even when we face difficulties in our relationships with loved ones, family will always be there in some form, holding us up when we need it most.
4. It’s Okay to Not Be Okay Sometimes
Throughout the film, the characters demonstrate that it’s okay to show vulnerability. M’Lynn’s raw grief after Shelby’s death, Annelle’s uncertainty as she navigates her personal struggles, and Ouiser’s sharp exterior all reveal that no one has to be strong all the time. Steel Magnolias teaches us that it’s okay to have moments of weakness—what matters is how we lean on others and find strength through our connections.
5. The Healing Power of Humor
One of the most endearing aspects of Steel Magnolias is its ability to mix humor with heartbreak. The witty banter between characters like Truvy (Dolly Parton) and Ouiser (Shirley MacLaine) provides much-needed comic relief, even in the face of tragedy. The film shows that laughter is an important tool for healing, even when life feels overwhelming. Humor helps us stay grounded and reminds us that joy and sorrow often coexist.
6. Love Doesn’t Always Look the Same
In Steel Magnolias, love takes many forms. Whether it’s the tender, protective love between M’Lynn and Shelby, the playful affection between the women, or Truvy’s unconditional support for her friends, the film teaches us that love doesn’t always look like what we expect. It’s not just about romantic love—it’s about the deep, unbreakable bonds that form between people who care for each other, regardless of their differences.
7. Resilience Is Found in the Smallest Moments
The women in Steel Magnolias demonstrate immense resilience, not just in the big moments of crisis, but in everyday life. It’s the small gestures—the shared laughs, the quiet moments of support—that build the foundation of strength. Resilience isn’t always about surviving big challenges; sometimes, it’s about enduring the daily struggles with grace, humor, and a sense of community.
8. Empathy Is Essential in Understanding Others
Every character in Steel Magnolias faces their own personal struggles, and while they each react differently, the film teaches us the importance of empathy. Whether it’s Annelle learning to trust others, M’Lynn understanding Shelby’s choices, or Ouiser’s complex relationship with the group, Steel Magnolias shows that understanding and compassion are at the core of all meaningful relationships.
9. Grief Is a Journey, Not a Destination
The death of Shelby is the film’s most poignant moment, and M’Lynn’s emotional journey through grief is one of the most heart-wrenching portrayals in cinema. Steel Magnolias teaches us that grief isn’t something that can be “fixed” or “resolved.” It’s a process—a journey that takes time, patience, and support. The film shows us that, while grief may never fully go away, the people who love us will help us carry it.
10. Don’t Take Yourself Too Seriously
The women in Steel Magnolias are far from perfect, and that’s part of their charm. They laugh at each other’s quirks, tell jokes at the most inappropriate times, and don’t take themselves too seriously. In a world that often values perfectionism, the film reminds us that it’s okay to be flawed, to laugh at ourselves, and to find joy in the imperfections of life.
11. Celebrate Life’s Milestones, Big and Small
From Shelby’s wedding to the birth of Annelle’s child, Steel Magnolias shows us the importance of celebrating both the big and small moments in life. Every milestone—whether it’s a wedding, a new job, or even a quiet moment with friends—deserves to be acknowledged and cherished. Life’s beauty lies in these moments, and the film teaches us to celebrate them fully, no matter how brief or ordinary they may seem.
12. It’s Important to Have a Support System
In the face of hardship, the women of Steel Magnolias rely on each other for emotional support, practical help, and love. This film highlights the crucial importance of surrounding yourself with people who uplift you and who are there when you need them the most. Whether it’s offering advice, a shoulder to cry on, or a simple hug, a strong support system is invaluable.
13. Be True to Yourself, Even When Others Don’t Understand
Shelby’s decision to marry and have a family despite her illness is a testament to her determination to live life on her own terms. Steel Magnolias teaches us that it’s important to pursue our own dreams and desires, even when they don’t fit other people’s expectations or seem risky. Life is about living authentically and making choices that bring us joy, regardless of the challenges.
14. You Can’t Control Everything, But You Can Control How You Respond
The characters in Steel Magnolias face uncontrollable circumstances—illness, death, personal crises—but they demonstrate that while we can’t control what happens to us, we can control how we respond. M’Lynn’s reaction to Shelby’s death, Truvy’s optimism despite the salon’s struggles, and Ouiser’s resilience in the face of her loneliness all show that our attitude and actions, even in the hardest times, are what define us.
15. Cherish the Time You Have With Loved Ones
Ultimately, Steel Magnolias is a film about cherishing the time we have with the people we love. The relationships in the film are filled with both joy and sorrow, but through it all, the characters remain close. The movie reminds us that life is unpredictable and often short—so we should never take time with loved ones for granted. Embrace every moment, hold onto the people who matter most, and let them know how much they mean to you.
Conclusion: What Steel Magnolias Teaches Us 35 Years Later
Steel Magnolias has stood the test of time because of its universal themes of love, loss, friendship, and resilience. Whether you’ve watched the film once or a hundred times, its lessons are timeless and still hold great relevance in our lives. As we celebrate the 35th anniversary of this iconic movie, we remember that, just like the women in the film, we too can find strength in the bonds we share with others, in laughter amidst sorrow, and in living life with purpose.
5 Unique FAQs After the Conclusion
1. How has Steel Magnolias influenced modern films about women?
Steel Magnolias set a precedent for films about complex, multidimensional women. It showcased strong female relationships that weren’t solely centered around men, paving the way for future female-led stories about friendship, family, and personal resilience.
