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    1. Culture

    Bridget Jones: The 8 Life Lessons We Can Learn

    Bridget Jones is back in our lives this month as a 51-year-old mother of two in Mad About The Boy. But, in our hearts, Bridge will always be the ultimate 30-something single girl. Here are 8 life lessons we learned from the loveable Ms Jones.

    By Francesca Rice
    Published 10 October 2013 In Features

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    Bridget-Jones
    Bridget-Jones
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    Bridget Jones is back in our lives this month as a 51-year-old mother of two in Mad About The Boy. But, in our hearts, Bridge will always be the ultimate 30-something single girl. Here are 8 life lessons we learned from the loveable Ms Jones.

    1. Sometimes tiny knickers won't cut it. When it comes to bagging the guy you've been lusting after for yonks, Bridge taught us that it pays to bring out the big guns. 'Chances of reaching crucial moment greatly increased by wearing scary stomach-holding-in pants very popular with grannies the world over.' Duly noted, Bridget.

    2. Stay AWAY from the bad boy. Yes, Daniel Cleaver types are ridiculously charming and sexy. But, no, they won't commit. And they will probably cheat on you and abandon you at your aunt's "Tarts and Vicars" party. 

    Daniel-Cleaver

    Daniel-Cleaver

    3. Alcohol and public speaking is never a good combination. Bridge taught us that if you're bad at remembering your lines in the first place ('Mr...Tits Pervert'), then downing a couple of glasses of champagne beforehand probably won't improve matters. And you will just end up taking solace in the arms of the afore-mentioned bad boy...

    Bridget-Jones

    Bridget-Jones

    4. Sometimes, a lot of vodka (and Chaka Khan) is the only answer. Particularly if you've just found out that your boyfriend is cheating on you with an 'American stick insect'. 

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    Bridget Jones

    Bridget Jones

    5. Never wear a skirt when climbing a fireman's pole. It won't end well.

    Bridget-Jones

    Bridget-Jones

    6. First impressions aren't always correct. The stranger wearing the ridiculous reindeer jumper could turn out to be the man of your dreams. So don't jump to conclusions too early. And even if you do overhear him calling you a 'verbally incontinent spinster, who smokes like a chimney, drinks like a fish and dresses like her mother', you may still be on to a winner...

    Marie Claire Newsletter

    Celebrity news, beauty, fashion advice, and fascinating features, delivered straight to your inbox!

    By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.

    Mark-Darcy

    Mark-Darcy

    7. Always double, and then triple, check a fancy dress party invitation. If Bridget taught us anything, it's that we never want to get caught out looking like 'a common prostitute' at a family party. 

    Bridget Jones

    Bridget Jones

    8. Happy endings do happen. We'll all find our own Mr Darcy... one day.

    Bridget-Jones

    Bridget-Jones

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