Fall is Gilmore Girls season, it’s cozy, nostalgic, and a little iconic. But rewatching as an adult? Different story. Rory’s choices don’t just read as TV drama anymore, they feel relatable. The perfectionism, the family pressure, the messy love stories… it’s the blueprint for what it’s like to grow up carrying everyone’s expectations.

If Rory had therapy? Here’s what I’d tell her (and maybe what you need to hear too).

1. Perfection Doesn’t Equal Worth

Rory was the golden girl: perfect grades, Yale dreams, everyone’s expectations riding on her shoulders. And she cracked under it.

“You don’t need to be perfect to be enough. Your worth isn’t measured in GPA, internships, or how flawless your LinkedIn looks.”

2. Boundaries Matter

Her bond with Lorelai is iconic, but also messy. Rory often bent herself into a million shapes just to keep everyone happy.

“Saying no is self-care. Protecting your peace is part of growing into your own person.”

3. Relationships Should Add, Not Define

Dean, Jess, Logan… Rory’s relationships reflected her own self-doubt more than real love.

“Your partner should complement your life, not control the direction of it.”

4. Messy Seasons Still Count as Growth

College. Careers. Breakups. Rory’s “perfect plan” kept falling apart and she thought that meant she was failing.

“Transitions are messy for everyone. You’re not behind, you’re becoming.”

Rory’s story reminds us that growth doesn’t look like a straight line. It’s a mix of messy choices, lessons learned, and moments of self-discovery. And that’s okay. Just like Rory, you’re allowed to be figuring it out, changing your mind, and learning as you go. Therapy is where those pieces start to make sense and where you get to feel less alone while writing your own story.

At Moonchild Counseling, we help teens and women untangle the pressures of perfectionism, anxiety, and big life transitions. We offer therapy virtually across Texas and Florida, and in person at our Austin, TX and St. Petersburg, FL offices.

Connect with us to schedule your consultation and take the first step toward your own healing story.