While not everyone grew up with a cool single mom who felt like a peer, many fans can still relate to much of Gilmore Girls. It was always heartwarming watching Rory and Lorelai each other, and seeing how their friends and fellow Stars Hollow residents always had their backs, too.
Whether it was the show's smart depiction of high school life or the way that the mother/daughter duo acted in their academic/professional and personal lives, there were many Gilmore Girls storylines that made a lot of sense to viewers.
Rory Had A Difficult Time At A New School
Many fans felt Rory was smarter at Chilton than at Yale, and yet she really struggled during her early months at the school.
Viewers can relate to Rory having a difficult time at her new school. From her terrible first day, Tristan calling her "Mary," Paris bullying her, and her mom's relationship with her English teacher, it was no wonder that it was hard to find her footing. She also realized that the workload was incredibly high and that she might never feel like a true Chilton student. It's rare to start somewhere new and feel at home right away, so this made sense.
Rory Was Scared To Date Dean (And Say "I Love You")
Several fans ship Rory and Dean based on certain episodes and one of the most memorable Rory storylines is from season 1.
After meeting Dean before leaving Stars Hollow High behind for Chilton, Rory liked him and it seemed like he was her first real crush. Rory was scared, though, as she had never experienced these feelings before. Everything, from their first kiss at Doose's market to spending time with him, was a huge deal. Rory was also terrified to say that she loved him, which was the reason for their first split. This was very relatable as dating as a teenager can be very confusing and it's hard not to feel awkward at first.
Lorelai Knew It Would Be Tricky To Date Max But Couldn't Help Her Feelings
It was also relatable that Lorelai liked Max and wanted to be with him while realizing this was a tricky situation at the same time.
Many single parents find themselves in the same position, and while some might say that Lorelai should have walked away from Rory's English teacher, it was rare for Lorelai to meet someone who she cared so much about. She felt guilty but couldn't help that she had real feelings for Max.
Dean Worried That Their Relationship Wouldn't Survive College
Not every scene between Rory and Dean was wonderful. Sometimes these two weren't on the same page about their love story.
In the season 3 episode "Application Anxiety," Dean asked Rory what would happen to their relationship once high school was over. He asked, "When you leave for Harvard. . .do we break up?" Rory wasn't thrilled that he wanted to have this conversation and they decided to talk about it another time, but Dean brought up a good point: not every high school romance lasts beyond graduation.
Rory Was Excited About College... Then Got Nervous
Senior year of high school is a fascinating time with a mix of emotions. On the one hand, students are thrilled to receive college acceptance letters and start planning their future. But as summer comes to an end and fall comes closer, it can feel overwhelming to start fresh.
Rory had a very relatable storyline, at first, as fans expected, she was excited about Yale and all ready to go. But then she got nervous once she was really there, an equally relatable feeling, and Lorelai slept over the first evening. Not everyone would want their mom there, but most can relate to feeling scared to be alone at college at first.
Lorelai And Sookie Needed Money To Open Their Dream Inn
After best friends Lorelai and Sookie opened up the Dragonfly Inn, it became the place for many dramatic scenes. It wasn't super simple to open it, though, of course.
In the season 4 episode "The Hobbit, the Sofa and Digger Stiles," Lorelai and Sookie began catering so they could make some money for the inn. This was super relatable as unless someone is from a wealthy family or has an investor who is willing to hand over cash, opening up an inn is a big financial gamble.
Lane Hid Her True ions And Hobbies From Her Mom
Lane kept her high school life private so her mom didn't find out what she was up to. She was ionate about her band but knew her mom wouldn't her making music.
Lane's major storyline involved her keeping this part of her life hidden from her mother, and it was not only her most memorable plotline but her most relatable, too. Many people struggle to find family for either a hobby, college major, or even their career, and it can be really tough to accept.
Paris Overreacted And Thought Tristan And Rory Were In A Relationship
Paris had liked Tristan for a long time, so when she thought that Tristan and Rory were going to a concert together, she jumped to the conclusion that they were in a relationship.
She definitely overreacted here, as she could have talked to Rory and learned that Rory didn't like Tristan very much at all. It was relatable that Paris got so upset, though, as it's hard to have clarity and perspective when a crush is involved, especially at that vulnerable time of high school.
Emily And Lorelai Struggled In Family Therapy
It can be really tough talking about family problems, and when Emily asked Lorelai to go to therapy sessions with her in the revival A Year In The Life, it didn't seem like it would solve all of the issues between the mother and daughter.
The characters struggled to get along even here, arguing about a letter that Emily said someone wrote her, and Emily stormed out, refusing to continue the sessions. This was a really relatable storyline as being vulnerable and talking these things out is never easy.
Rory's Career Didn't Turn Out The Way She Planned
Rory might have gotten published in The New Yorker in A Year In The Life, but that was about all that she could brag about career-wise.
Rory worked for the town newspaper and had trouble getting more work. While fans didn't like seeing Rory in this type of bind, it was definitely relatable, as many people have a tough time making their dreams come true after college.