Take Cues From These Old-School Love Lessons from Bridgerton

Ah, Bridgerton—a show where ballrooms and scandals unite. The Regency-era Netflix hit is three seasons (and a prequel) strong, with a fourth one on the way.

Fictional nature aside, one reason the show has struck many viewers’ hearts is the romance. Each season has a different couple in the spotlight. The first season featured Daphne and Simon, and the second highlighted Kate and Anthony. Season three (the most recent) focused on Penelope and Colin.

Bridgerton may show audiences old-school love, but we modern daters can take notes from their approaches. Ditch the dancing shoes and pay attention to these old-school love lessons:

#1: Friendship is a strong foundation for a relationship.

If you’ve seen season three, you know Penelope and Colin’s story depicts the classic friends-to-lovers trope. For the uninitiated, here’s how their dynamics played out: the two began as childhood friends, with Penelope harboring feelings for Colin, who unfortunately put her in the friend zone in their teens.

Fast forward to season three’s timeline. Colin returns from his European escapades as a changed and confident man. Meanwhile, Penelope comes out of her shell and searches for a man.

Once Colin catches this, he offers to teach Penelope the art of flirtation. He doesn’t anticipate what’s coming, though: catching feelings. And when they finally get together, it makes sense and feels earned.

The great thing about having a strong friendship as a relationship cornerstone is the deep understanding and trust that comes with it. The transition will still feel awkward, but the established emotional intimacy will make it easier.

#2: You can’t fight the fall, even if you want to.

When love comes, many try fighting it for various reasons. Some don’t have the energy for serious commitments and want more casual arrangements. Others prioritize self-preservation, having been burned too many times.

Enter Simon, the Duke of Hastings and the first season’s hero. From the get-go, he’s smitten by Daphne, but he cages his feelings. He believes he doesn’t deserve her. He grew up jaded due to his father’s harsh treatment of him during his childhood.

It wasn’t until his feelings became unbearable that Simon finally stopped fighting himself. When he realized he was his own enemy, he let go and pursued Daphne.

The point is that you can’t tell who you fall for. While you can manage your reactions, you can’t control and deny your feelings. The more you suppress them, the stronger they’ll become. So when you find yourself falling for somebody, don’t fight that. Just let nature take its course.

#3: Don’t change for anyone.

True love doesn’t need filters. Instead, it needs truth.

Take Anthony, for example. Like Simon, he's also a jaded man. He worked to present himself as a standup viscount to court Edwina. But behind closed doors, he was a fiery man with no filter. Edwina’s sister, Kate, sees the real him and falls deeply despite resisting her feelings for her sister’s sake.

Conversely, Kate didn’t feel like changing herself. She knew that some members of the Ton didn’t take too well to her feisty nature, but she remained true to her core regardless. In turn, Anthony fell in love with her despite initially fighting it.

To cut to the chase, your person will appreciate everything about you, flaws and all. Don’t pretend to be someone you’re not.

Your love story may not be as whimsical as Bridgerton, but it’ll be just as sweet. Good luck, dear reader, and may you find your best match as you apply these old-school love lessons.