By Jeremy Clayton

From stumbling through crackcidents to ill-fated writers workshops to nighttime adventures in red, the girls have been through a lot over the years. Here are a few words of wisdom from Season 6 that inspired moments of reflection and growth.

1. Be a Lover Not a Fighter

“All I Ever Wanted”: Hannah falls for her surf coach, Paul-Louis, while on assignment in Montauk.

“It’s so much easier to love something, than to hate it. Don’t you think? Love is the easiest thing in the world.” — Paul-Louis

Your 20s can sometimes feel like you’re stranded at the most obnoxious and annoying resort (or surf camp) ever, but try your best to find a glimmer of positivity. Like Hannah, take a chance on new people, or take a cue from Desi and tell your ex how talented she is (minus the cheating and crazy antics).

2. Don’t Be Blinded By Narcissism

“Hostage Situation”: Learning from her own mistakes, recovering-queen-of-the-self-centered Hannah consoles Marnie after she and Desi get into a huge fight in their cabin in Poughkeepsie, New York.

“It can be pretty hard to have observations about other people when you’re only thinking about yourself.” — Hannah

It’s OK to put yourself first and be selfish at times, but take a moment to consider how your actions are affecting the people you care about. Learn from Marnie’s mistakes and don’t get stuck in your own headspace and miss what’s happening around you. Then like Hannah, show your friends they have someone in their corner — they’ll love you even more for it.

3. Let Your Inner Feminist Voice Shine

“American B**ch”: Hannah meets with Chuck Palmer, a famous author, accused of taking advantage of his female fans.

“I just think it’s important to listen to the voices of women who have historically been pushed to the side and silenced.” — Hannah

Speak truth to power, and don’t let someone else stop you from stating your mind, even if that person is an award-winning author who has been photographed with Toni Morrison.

4. Listen to Those Who Lived It First

“Painful Evacuation”: Ray is forced to contend with a hard dose of reality and tough love from life-long curmudgeon Hermie.

“Well, maybe he wants you to have a life that’s better than fine.” — Shoshanna

If you’re lucky, you’ll meet older people who will mentor you. Hermie wasn’t the easiest on Ray, but only because he too had a lot of unaccomplished goals. Sometimes tough love is the best love.

5. Roll With The Punches

“Gummies”: Loreen eats too many “special” gummy worms. Hannah comes face to face with her doppelganger, Genevieve, the woman playing her in Adam’s film, and the actor has some pithy parenting advice.

“Kids are super easy. It’s being an adult that’s hard.” — Genevieve

The unknown isn’t as scary as you think. The characters of Girls have done the craziest things, but they’re still standing; Loreen never thought she would be single at her age, but she’s making it work. Remember every day prepares you for the next.

6. Never Ignore Your Problems

“Full Disclosure”: Jessa confronts Hannah about not telling her about her pregnancy.

“Everything we did together happened, even if you pretend it didn’t. And I’m still here and I know who you are. So you can’t just erase me. You can’t erase people. That’s not the way it works.” — Jessa

If you don’t give people the closure they need, you could be headed for a confrontation. Hannah might have been over Jessa, but they never had a proper conversation about how each felt. The best way to deal with conflict is to talk it out.

7. Never Give Up On Your Dream

“The Bounce”: Elijah is in his element during an audition, and nothing — not even a disastrous basketball routine — can dim his star power.

“It’s never too late.” — Athena

During your 20s, you may see some people achieve their goals faster than you. Don’t let this discourage you, and take heart from Elijah’s journey: He was laughed at during an audition after he graduated from college, but eventually he found an opportunity that was right for him.

8. Ask Meaningful Questions

“What Will We Do This Time About Adam?”: Abigail returns and unexpectedly bonds hardcore with Ray while Hannah and Adam rekindle their relationship for a day.

“Would you rather live in an ugly building with a view of a gorgeous building or in a gorgeous building with a view of an ugly building?” — Abigail

The personality test to rule them all; ask this question on your next date.

9. Besties Before Testies

“Goodbye Tour”: Overhearing a group of college students gossiping about their friends, Hannah offers her unsolicited (but nevertheless apt) advice.

“Lust fades and friendship never does, if you nurture it.” — Hannah to college students

The demise of Jessa and Hannah’s relationship says more than enough about what happens when you let a guy get in between your friendship. Guys come and go, friends are forever. Don’t forget it.

10. Self-Love Should Be Your First Love

“Latching”: Marnie decides to help Hannah raise her baby, but she calls in Loreen when Hannah loses control

“Has it ever occurred to you that the best thing for you and your friendship would be if you were happy too?” — Loreen to Marnie

Your 20s can be some of the most confusing and, sometimes, depressing years of your life. It’s hard to juggle relationships and figure it all out. But you can’t pour from an empty cup. Take care of yourself first to be the best person you can to the people you love.

Watch the complete sixth season of Girls on HBO NOW.

10 “Words of Wisdom” from Season 6 was originally published in GirlsHBOBingeGuide on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

By HBO

No one says how long the journey to adulthood should take, but Season 5 brought the Girls as close to grown-up as they’ve gotten. Check out signs from each episode to see what milestones you and the Girls have hit.

Sign #1: Your first friend gets hitched.

Bride Marnie tries to put on a calm and collected facade (despite the doomsday weather) and Shoshanna does her best to be the perfect bridesmaid — always ready with the necessary optimistic comment. Hannah, however, can’t even pretend she’s having a good time, and Jessa is busy running through fields. But at the end of the day, the ladies get it together, and realize that what is important is being there to support and celebrate their friend.

Sign #2: You can hang out and not have sex.

Before we get to Sign #2, allow us to establish Rule #1 of being a lady. Never, ever (ever) get close with your friend’s ex. Shut that s**t down immediately. Sadly, Jessa forgets this when it comes to Adam, despite her making a point to keep their Coney Island adventure — playing carnival games, feeding each other sausage and peppers, accidentally killing goldfish — as above board as possible. (Though, watching each other masturbate may be a step too far).

Sign #3: You keep things professional at work…and follow your heart.

Shoshanna is killing it at her new job in Japan, and while she has a small crush on her boss Yoshi, she stays committed to keeping things platonic for the entirety of her employment. She also reminds herself she has a “kind of” boyfriend back home, which is the grown up thing to do. After she’s “managed out” of the company, Shoshanna does not retreat home with her tail between her legs. Instead, she seizes the opportunity to stay in the country she loves, which gives way to a budding — and socially acceptable — romance.

Sign #4: You decide to work on your relationship problems.

Both Marnie and Hannah are struggling at the start of Episode 4: Desi builds a physical wall in his and Marnie’s apartment; Fran disagrees with Hannah’s teaching style. What to do? The fed-up ladies avoid their woes and retreat to Jessa’s Brooklyn abode. But inspiration strikes Marnie via the “Old Loves” Tumblr page: “People who work on things end up together. Otherwise you’re gonna end up alone…like Cher.” Meaningful online quotes and the fear of diva spinsterhood lead her to an epiphany: She takes the advice and leaves to patch things up with Desi.

Sign #5: You take a trip with mom (…and keep it to five fights, max).

The Horvath women. Unfiltered. Unflappable. And unstoppable in their mission to take female-empowerment retreat Spring Queening by storm. Well, sort of. Upon arrival, Hannah can’t seem to abide by the no-phone policy, while Loreen wonders if her situation with (recently out) Tad is worth going through the uglies of divorce. Jessa and Adam, meanwhile, take their relationship to the next level — with Adam not only meeting Jessa’s unhinged sister, but also offering to pay for her upcoming grad school program. Everyone’s venturing into unchartered territory in this episode; exciting for some — and confusing for others.

Sign #6: You tell your ex someone put a ring on it…and let bygones be bygones over pizza.

Marnie simultaneously gets some closure on past heartbreak, expresses her emotions in a calm and rational way and lets her hair down for a night on the town. Thank f**king gawd. Marnie — yes, Marnie — walks around Brooklyn barefoot, soaked in pond water, wearing a red sequined dress. She also says this to someone who, for the sake of spoilers, will remain nameless: “I’m not here to change you. I don’t need to change anybody anymore.”

Sign #7: You put two and two together, but don’t flip out.

Hannah’s boss reprimands her for unprofessional behavior and in classic socially-awkward-Hannah fashion, she interprets this as a moment to flash him Basic Instinct-style. Fran is not amused by her tactic. Elijah finds out his relationship with Dill is not exclusive, so he steals some toiletries from Dill’s bathroom (once you hit your late twenties, you realize the value of amazing bathroom amenities.) The rest of the group attends Adam’s new play. Hannah spots the look on Jessa’s face while she watches Adam’s performance, and her fears are confirmed when they leave together after the show. But rather than having an immature freak out, Hannah apologizes to Fran and heads home with him.

Sign #8: You take five steps forward and 10 steps back.

Shosh returns from Japan looking like a manic teddy bear in pink. Hannah breaks up with Fran at a rest stop many miles from New York, playing a game of chase through a public bathroom. Marnie and Desi freeze each other out. Jessa struggles to help Adam care for little Sample when Caroline and Laird are M.I.A., prompting Adam’s sage words: “You’re an adult. She’s a baby. Why do you need more help than a baby?” (Adam, we hear you.)

Sign #9: You put your college degree to good use.

It’s been thoroughly entertaining watching Hannah Horvath teach New York City’s youth (and agitate Principal Toby to no end), which is why it was so bittersweet to watch her walk out of the English classroom for the foreseeable future. Shoshanna, one the other hand, who’s back from Tokyo and ready to take charge of her life, uses her NYU-priced marketing degree to turn Ray’s deserted coffee shop into an anti-hipster hangout.

Sign #10: You use your pain to make meaningful art.

Marnie asks Ray to come on tour. Hannah tells her parents she’s hoping to get selected to read at that night’s Moth performance, and Loreen takes her shopping for an appropriate outfit. Jessa and Adam’s relationship reaches peak tension, and they trash the apartment during a blow-out fight. The story Hannah tells at the Moth is about Jessa and Adam, and finding a way to wish them the best. Afterwards, high from her achievement, Hannah breaks into a run while crossing the Brooklyn Bridge. Maybe she doesn’t know exactly where she’s going, but a corner has been turned, and real success suddenly feels within reach.

Watch the complete fifth season Girls on HBO NOW. Check out the Blu-ray of Season 5 for more fun facts.

Written by Olivia Armstrong, Eleanor Laurence, Ashley Morton and Allie Waxman.

10 Signs You Are Almost Grown-Up was originally published in GirlsHBOBingeGuide on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

By Ashley Morton/HBO

From mistakes to missteps, the characters in Girls don’t always make the best choices on their journey to adulthood. Here are some key lessons you can take away from Season 4.

1. “Iowa”

Hannah and Adam leave things unclear as she heads off to a writing workshop in Iowa.

Don’t: Let people get to you — whether it’s arguing parents, rude children, or friends who just can’t understand your need to relocate.

Do: Follow Adam Sackler’s example and toast your success. (Leather moto jacket and gelled hair optional.)

2. “Triggering”

Hannah tries to settle into her new surroundings, which is all the more fun when Elijah shows up.

Don’t: Forget your bike lock, your house keys, or the “constructive” part of constructive criticism.

Do: Relive your glory days by attending a quintessential undergraduate party. Bust a move like student loans are the furthest thing from your mind.

3. “Female Author”

Marnie asks Desi why they aren’t dating; Shoshanna interviews for a job and Jessa and Adam have a run-in with the police.

Don’t: Be afraid to admit when you need a friend — especially one that will bail you out of jail.

Do: Remember that there is such a thing as too much honesty. This goes for both job interviews and writing workshops.

4. “Cubbies”

Desi arrives at Marnie’s door with some news, and Hannah’s continued struggles in Iowa lead to a big decision.

Don’t: Ignore the little voice in the back of your head or your dad’s sage advice about doing what’s best for you.

Do: Know when to deviate from your norm and when to embrace it. Note to self: Expensive boutique T-shirts aren’t going to help anything.

5. “Sit-In”

Hannah returns to New York to find Adam is seeing someone else.

Don’t: Allow yourself to be consumed by sadness or internet videos.

Do: Look for your “artistic love story” in unexpected places.

6. “Close-Up”

Ray decides to run for a seat on the community board, and Adam deals with unexpected information.

Don’t: Shy away from getting involved. Your community needs you — no one likes people who lean on their car horns.

Do: Rally. Get up, get dressed and get your resume out there.

7. “Ask Me My Name”

Hannah starts a new job and gets to know Mimi-Rose.

Don’t: Close yourself off from finding inspiration in the oddest of places — that includes women with hyphenated names.

Do: Make peace with the past … and always treat yourself to falafel.

8. “Tad & Loreen & Avi & Shanaz”

Tad comes out to Loreen, and Marnie is caught off guard by Desi’s bold romantic gesture.

Don’t: Hold everything inside forever (whether you partner just got tenure or not.)

Do: Figure out what person you think you are, and realize when your behavior warrants an apology.

9. “Daddy Issues”

Adam and Jessa have dinner with Mimi-Rose and Ace, and Marnie makes an announcement at Ray’s election-night party.

Don’t: Fake your happiness. Don’t fake anything.

Do: Recognize when your parents need more guidance than you.

10. “Home Birth”

Shoshanna is offered a job with an interesting twist and Jessa takes control of Caroline’s home birth.

Don’t: Be afraid to stick your head in the tub of life and take control of the situation.

Do: Take risks — even if they lead you far from where you started.

Watch the complete fourth season Girls on HBO NOW. Check out the Blu-ray or DVD box set of Season 4 for more fun facts.

Don’ts and Dos for Your Strange Journey Through Life was originally published in GirlsHBOBingeGuide on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

By Allie Waxman/HBO

As varied as the girls themselves, the food consumed in Season 3 is spicy, sweet and extra salty. Nosh on these episode-inspired treats while you reflect on Hannah, Shoshanna, Marnie and Jessa’s share of bittersweet clashes and unsavory moments.

A Recovery Road Sundae inspired by Episode 1
In the Season 3 premiere, Hannah hosts a dinner party with a post-breakup Marnie and a sexually-adventurous Shoshanna; Jessa pushes everyone’s buttons at rehab. Here’s what you’ll need for a kick-a** sundae to eat while you watch.

• Coffee ice cream to keep you awake at the library after a night of sexual discovery.
• A slice of marble bread from Ray’s because relationships aren’t always black-and-white.
• Sea salt to pour on the wounds of your rehab cohort.

Diner Eats and Unhealthy Treats inspired by Episode 2
Hannah, Adam and Shoshanna hit the road to retrieve Jessa from rehab. Indulge in these noms inspired by their “unremarkable” road trip.

• Pancakes and turkey bacon because you’re “really, really not hungry.” And a milkshake.
• A frosted donut to ease your car sickness.
• Chex Mix from a motel vending machine, even though you’re allergic.

Afternoon Tea and Sympathy inspired by Episode 4
The death of David, Hannah’s editor, compromises the future of her eBook and consumes all of her energy. Take a bite of sympathy pie, you’ll need it.

• A cup of tea before a stroll through the cemetery.
• “One crumb of basic human compassion” on a “fat-free muffin of sociopathic detachment.”
• Imitation whipped-cream on top — “just because it’s fake doesn’t mean I don’t feel it.”

Snacks for Days inspired by Episode 6
Hired as GQ’s newest advertorial writer, Hannah rejoices over the breakroom freebies, but not the gig itself. Pair these goodies with the episode.

• Finger sandwiches because you’re grown up and classy.
• A lollipop because you’re not that grown up…
• Chemicals and fake salt for the road. It’s OK. It’s free.

A F**king Awesome Dinner inspired by Episode 7
The girls take to the North Fork where they run into Elijah and his friends. Marnie throws a dinner party which does not go as planned. Eat up and dance it out later.

• Julienned vegetables, because the uniform slices are all you can control right now.
• A glass of wine to ease your abandonment issues.
• Duck breasts for four people, even though eight showed up.

An Actor’s Diet inspired by Episode 8
Hannah enjoys the benefits of a steady paycheck and throws Adam a surprise party to celebrate his good news. Marnie gets too comfortable with Ray who admits he’s looking for a real relationship. Serve these while you watch.

• Ice water while you’re waiting for Patti LuPone.
• French fries on a plate — no ketchup.
• Defensive pizza because “I wouldn’t be eating pizza in front of you if I actually liked you.”

A Meal for a Married Older Woman inspired by Episode 10
Hannah has a hard time connecting with Adam as he prepares for his Broadway debut and Marnie gets to know Desi, one of Adam’s castmates. Feast on these treats.

• Burritos in bed with your bestie so you can talk out your relationship woes.
• A dirty martini, three olives, because that’s what you order when you’re role-playing.
• Chocolate syrup, bubbly, and strawberries for…you know.

Intermission Snacks inspired by Episode 12
Hannah reveals her exciting grad school news to Adam right before his opening night. Marnie tells Shoshanna about her relationship with Ray. Close out the season with something that makes you happy.

• Iced tea brewed in the pitcher from the garage sale upstate.
• M&Ms because you’re going to have a little “chat” with your ex-boyfriend.
• A spoonful of peanut butter because it’s OK to be happy.

Watch the complete third season Girls on HBO NOW. Check out the Blu-ray or DVD box set of Season 3 for more fun facts.

The Many Flavors of Season 3 was originally published in GirlsHBOBingeGuide on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

Coupling Up With the Twosomes of Season 2

By Olivia Armstrong/HBO

Laugh, cry, and obsess over these unforgettable exchanges from the (many) dysfunctional couples of the comedy’s sophomore season.

Hannah and Adam

Hannah: “You’re not being that nice to me so I don’t really understand why you’d even want to have me around.”
Adam: “Well, when you love someone, you don’t have to be nice all the time.”

Where things ended: Hannah grows tired of playing nurse (and being treated like garbage), and decides to dive, head first, into chasing her book dreams.

Hannah and Sandy

Sandy: “Oh, so this is about him.”
Hannah: “I’m not saying that. Although he was hit by a truck and it was my fault, so I have a little bit of guilt.”

Where things ended: Unable to set aside Sandy’s Republican ideologies (and her own hang-ups about Adam), Hannah ditches the sensitive pragmatist (Donald Glover) in favor of singlehood.

Charlie and Audrey

Audrey: “I told you not to wait… The apartment is like 10-feet across. I think I’ll be OK.”
Charlie: “Yeah, I know, I know, but you don’t know anyone here so…”

Where things ended: Audrey (Audrey Gelman) and Charlie (Christopher Abbott) didn’t exactly mesh after Charlie decided to ditch his Bushwick musician facade for startup life. (Success comes at a price, friends). The fact he still isn’t over Marnie doesn’t help the situation either.

Hannah and Elijah

Elijah: “I have to get a mattress.”
Hannah: “No, don’t get a mattress. You stay in my bed and then we’ll use your room as a home gym.”

Where things ended: After discovering he slept with Marnie following a drunken round of post-party karaoke, Hannah kicks Elijah to the curb — but keeps all the furniture in the process. Not to worry, however: This isn’t the last the former couple-turned platonic roommates will see of each other.

Jessa and Thomas-John

Jessa: “I’m embarrassed when we walk down the street because you’re so f*cking average. I tell my friends that you were a test tube baby just so you’ll have a little edge.”
Thomas-John: “This is the worst mistake I’ve ever made. You’re my worst nightmare.”

Where things ended: After one hell of an awkward dinner with Thomas-John’s well-to-do (albeit, hopelessly boring) parents, the self-destructive newlyweds partake in the fight of all fights, ending with Thomas-John cutting Jessa a check for $11,500, and Jessa ending up in Hannah’s bathtub.

Shoshanna and Ray

Shoshanna: “I can’t be surrounded by your negativity while I’m trying to grow into a fully-formed human. You hate everything!”
Ray: “Maybe you have to change. And then maybe you’ll appreciate my black soul.”

Where things ended: Ray’s pessimism needles Shosh all season. At first it was one of our resident grump’s quirky antics, but dating his “black soul” proves to be, well, challenging. The saddest part? Ray and Shosh are so good for each other… just not at the moment.

Marnie and Booth

Marnie: “You don’t have to pay me. I’m your girlfriend.”
Booth: “I didn’t realize I had a girlfriend.”

Where things ended: Marnie leaves Booth Jonathan— mid-existential crisis — on the floor of his wine cellar, crouching next to wo smashed, outrageously expensive bottles. Shortly thereafter, she sheds the Gold Plastic Dress and turns yet another page in her year-long chapter of uncertainty.

Adam and Natalia

Natalia: “I don’t like to be on top that much or soft touching because it tickles me and takes me out of the moment, but everything else is OK.”
Adam: “OK…”

Where things ended: Adam’s efforts to move on from Hannah are nothing short of forced. Though, if you’re going to rebound, totally nice Natalia isn’t a bad choice. Their relationship went from cutesy to sour, however, after Adam acts on one of his dark fantasies.

Marnie and Charlie

Marnie: “I want you. I know I’m a mess, but I want you. I want to see you every morning and I want to make you a snack every night. And eventually, I want to have your little brown babies and I want to watch you die.”
Charlie: “That’s all I ever wanted to hear.”

Where things ended: After having it out during brunch at Roberta’s, Marnie and Charlie partake in one adorably sappy makeup, despite braving a whirlwind year without each other.

Hannah and Adam

Hannah: “You’re here.”
Adam: “Well, I was always here.”

Where things ended: The way to Hannah Horvath’s complicated heart? Charge to her rescue, break down her door, and swoop her up, mid-panic attack. Adam knows this and we are so very grateful these two are brought together, yet again — even if their idea of a fairytale ending is a bit different than most.

Watch the complete second season Girls on HBO NOW. Check out the Blu-ray or DVD box set of Season 2 for more fun facts.

Coupling Up With Twosomes of Season 2 was originally published in GirlsHBOBingeGuide on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

“GIRLS-Talk” From Season 1

By Eleanor Laurence/HBO

Before the show debuted, creator Lena Dunham and executive producer Judd Apatow discussed comedy, female characters and the soon-to-launch Girls. Take a walk down memory lane and re-watch the first season with these talking points in mind and find more behind-the-scene insights on HBO NOW.

Girls in seven words, according to Apatow: “It’s a show about a horny nerd.”

Girls in more words, according to Dunham: “It’s about that moment when you know that you should form your idea of what you want, but you don’t even know enough to know what to want yet. It’s a very existential time in your life that leads to lots of mistakes.”

Why Girls is NOT Sex and the City, according to Dunham: “The characters in Sex and the City knew what they wanted. They were looking for the husband; they were looking for the job. And these characters don’t even know what to want yet.”

What shocked Apatow about Girls: “It’s dirty sex.”

What shocked Dunham: “I wasn’t conscious of how dirty the sex was until I started watching it back with you.”

Apatow’s words of wisdom: “Anything you write into an episode, they’ll bring to you on set. So if you write ‘I’m eating a giant turkey sandwich,’ they’ll bring you that sandwich on the day. So a lot of what I think a TV show is about is just picking foods you want to eat.”

Dunham on female TV characters (ca. 2012): “I feel like on television and in popular films the depiction of women tends to be sexy, confident, slut [or] anxious girl who’s obsessed with work and pleasing other people and can’t get it together sexually. And I think the idea of the sweet, vulnerable person, who’s also interested in danger and has some perversions, that’s the kind of complex person that you meet in life and don’t ever meet on television.”

Apatow’s take on comedy: “Comedy is best when it’s about humiliation.”

Dunham’s unofficial slogan for Season 1: “One of the first kind of ‘slogans’ I had in my head for the show was ‘Smart girls making stupid choices.’”

Watch the complete first season on HBO NOW and check out the Blu-ray or DVD box set of Season 1 for more fun facts.

“Girls-Talk” From Season 1 was originally published in GirlsHBOBingeGuide on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.