It’s been a long time since Khadijah James, Regine Hunter, Maxine Shaw, and Synclaire James strutted into our living rooms on a weekly basis. I still watch the Living SIngle re-runs on Hulu like it didn’t premiere over 25 years ago. Not only can I quote damn near every episode word for word, but I learned a lot of life lessons watching these four Black women grow up and live in Brooklyn, New York. Taking a cue from Ariana Grande’s thank u, next song, each cast member taught me valuable lessons about love and life.
The infamous Maxine Shaw “attorney at law” taught me how to be a savage at work and a savage with your heart. It is okay to be upfront in your relationships with men, letting them know what you want, and it is okay to open up your heart and fall in love. Even when its with the most unexpected person.
Regine Hunter taught me that I shouldn’t be ashamed about the desire to have the finer things in life. It’s okay to hold out for your fairy tale ending, as long as you don’t lose yourself in the process.
Loveable and bubbly Synclaire James might have been the butt of a lot of jokes in the series, but she also taught me to laugh at myself, and its okay not to know everything all the time. Synclaire is another great example of being passionate about your passions. Synclaire was determined to be a successful actress and was willing to do whatever it took to achieve her dreams.
Khadijah James struggled season after season to keep her baby Flavor afloat, showing everyone the importance of entrepreneurship. Her magazine became a top priority in her life and she was determined to make a name for herself in the publishing community.
If you are a fan of Living Single, what have these women taught you? And what have you learned from other television characters?