The classic ‘90s romantic comedy film Pretty Woman recently celebrated the 25th anniversary of its release in theatres on March 23, 1990. (Okay, not that recently, but would you believe I started writing this post three months ago?) I decided that, in light of this special occasion, I’d re-watch the movie. I can’t even remember the last time I watched it. Probably the last time I had cable TV and happened across it mid-way through while channel surfing late at night.

As I prepared* myself to re-watch this movie (*preparation included making popcorn and pouring a big glass of lemonade), I wondered if it would still hold up. I was kid when I watched it before, I probably didn’t even know what a hooker was. So, here I am, almost 30*, about the watch Pretty Woman for essentially the first time. (*See? I AM 30 now. I’ve been writing this post since I was 29.)

I sat back in my chair, grabbed a handful of still-hot popcorn, and pressed play. Within minutes, I started noticing a lot of similarities between me and Julia Roberts’ character Vivian:

In the opening sequence, Vivian is shown getting ready to hit the streets. One of her pre-work tasks is to colour in scuffs on her boots. I have 100% done this with my own boots. Granted, my boots are not as thigh high or shiny as Viv’s, but I am no stranger to the sharpie bandaid solution.

Vivian is a non-conformist when it comes to money management. She’s not all about banks. She’s independent. She keeps her rent money in the back of her toilet tank in a plastic soap container. How do I know it’s a soap container and not just a non-use-specific plastic box? Because I have THE SAME soap container! That’s right. Similarity number two. Mine is yellow, while hers is green, and I keep soap in mine, but it’s the same!

Edward picks up Vivian (for directions) and ends up having her drive. He’s not used to driving (he always has a driver), and he’s definitely not used to driving stick. While describing specifics of the car to Edward, Vivian offers up the trivia piece that a person’s foot is big as the distance from your elbow to your wrist. I ALSO KNOW THIS FACT! Another amazing coincidence.

She’s not about to let a perfectly good elevator couch go to waste. Neither would I.

She finishes a drink like she’s got somewhere to be. We’re both busy ladies with lives to lead. Sometimes a woman’s just got to drink with purpose. I feel you, Viv.

She looks (and feels) completely out of place in a fancy clothing store. I once almost bought a $450 plain black party dress because I wandered into a boutique that was way more expensive than could ever be imagined (literally every item in the store was $450). While the staff here actually talked to me, unlike Vivian, there was definitely an air of “You’re wasting my time” in their service. After trying on a few things, I thought I somehow had to prove I was meant to be there (even thought I so was not!) and I actually considered buying one of the dresses. I even went so far as to put it on hold. This where she saw right through me and the sales woman said “This is the last one, so if you’re not going to come back, call and let me know.” AND I ACTUALLY CALLED HER THE NEXT DAY!

Even when she’s all dolled up, you can’t stop a girl from slouching. (This is me at every wedding/prom/formal I’ve ever been to. Sorry mum.)

And finally, Vivian says no to drugs and yes to dental hygiene. Flossing before freebasing (t-shirts available soon).

So, what is there to learn from this? Should you run out and befriend the next hooker you see? Maybe. Maybe not. Probably not. But if that hooker is Julia Roberts in a wig, just remember: you probably have more in common with her than you think (like, neither of you are actually hookers).