How many of you have caught yourself channel surfing in vain? And then, you finally find something that makes you sit straight on the couch and gets you all excited. Well, If you have been searching aimlessly on Netflix for a wholesome family show, we are about to share a gem with you all, Sweet Magnolias.
A story that defines friendship and then some more. The protagonists of Sweet Magnolias are about to start a joint business venture, a ladies only spa. Maddie Townsend is a single mom mending a broken heart after her husband cheats on her with a coworker, Noreen. She is trying to find a balance between co-parenting, a potential new love, and a new work opportunity.
You will find Dana Sue Sullivan in her restaurant firing up not just the stoves, but also blazing her frustration at her staff and her daughter. Her eyes lights up and her lips curves in to a warm smile as she converse with the customers. A case of a single mom with a teenage daughter, what can go wrong? A lack of communication.
When Helen Decatur is not donning her lawyer’s hat, you will see her being an endearing friend to the entire town. Her legal knowledge is not only applied in the premises of the court, but outside it as well; when certain residents need a reminder. A woman equip with the knowledge of the law and a gracious smile. What can be missing? Perhaps, an unfinished business of the heart.
If you are still wondering, why you should watch this show? Here are some of the reasons:
The Recipe of Lasting Friendships
Ever wonder what makes some friendships last, while others fade with the passing of time? These three ladies’ relationship is an epitome of what makes a concrete foundation of friendship.
One ingredient is emotional intelligence. A flower wilts when one is overwhelmed with work and personal problems like Dana Sue hence, when she explodes on Helen. The latter doesn’t take it to the heart, in fact she asks, “if she is ok?” A retaliation of concern as oppose to anger. We often do not read between the lines; hence, our responses unnecessarily escalate a situation. Two big overflowing tablespoons of emotional intelligence is needed to sustain a healthy relationship. Let’s not forget, the good ol’ times when we used to sneak in to our friends house. These ladies, don’t ever miss their nights get together filled with laughter, snacks and catching up on the happenings of each other lives.
Complexity of the Heart
“How do you make someone like you?” inquires the teenage boy. “All right, you wanna win in love? Live your best life. It’ll happen when it’s meant to.”
Love is a beautiful, but messy emotion. When you get it right, it feels like you are breathing anew. When you get it wrong, you are left gluing your heart back together. While the adults of Serenity are successfully finding a companion to share their special moments with, the teens are left to figure out the complexity of such sentiment. The hopeless glances, awkward meetings, confusion of unrequited infatuation whilst juggling their broken homes. Reminds you of your own teenager years, doesn’t it?
Benevolence of Community
Ever heard of the saying gossip spreads like wild fire in a small town? I am sure we all have heard of or have had experience with prying neighbours. In the show, you will often see Maddie being subjected to the ‘looks’ that reveal that they know the happenings of Maddie’s life.
The not-so-subtle looks of the prying neighbours will get a chuckle out of you. Somethings are prevalent in every culture!
Well, this is true in the small town of Serenity; so is the benevolence nature of its residents. You will see the town’s people lending a helping hand when the spa renovations are in danger of falling behind schedule or when Dana Sue helps three elderly folks by elevating the flavour of their food.
You can feel a sense of warmth and love present in the community and most importantly, humanity.
The Blessing of Communication
Some of us are horrible at finding the right words to convey our thoughts, while others are exceptionally talented in that area.
In the show, you feel a lack of affection and distance between Dana Sue and her daughter, Annie. Their meetings are usually very short and longer ones are comprised of arguments or parenting. On the contrary, Maddie’s new love interest reveals that he wants more than friendship with her after she friendzoned him.
The point, watch the show to see how just talking about your feelings and intention can help avoid sabotaging a relationship. It makes you wonder why in real life we don’t have sit downs with the important people in our lives.
You ask, what makes a Boss Woman?
Well, Maddie, Dana Sue, and Helen will enlighten you with their lifestyle. In the show, they are seen donning multiple hats: an individual, a mom, and a jobholder. You will see the reality of handling these positions can be taxing, but at the end of the day rewarding. Because everyday they live their life with their loved ones, they see their children achieving their own goals, and all while attaining their own professional endeavours.
These ladies teach you that being a mom is not all of your identity nor is just your work. Your identity is a beautiful amalgamation of both and then somethings more. Just leave it to these three women to explain what womanhood is and we will end this list with this brief exchange from the show: “I have the right to my own feelings and my own space (…) and I can decide who comes in to them,” declares Tyler, Maddie’s son. “So, does your mom.”
Sweet Magnolias warms your heart as you watch the supporting, and uplifting community of Serenity. If you are looking for a show that leaves you wanting to watch the next episode, Sweet Magnolias it is!
