There isn’t a Black woman over 30 who can’t quote at least two classic lines from Waiting to Exhale. Since its 1995 release, these are the moments and messages from the film that stuck with us.
Poor Robin. She saw happily ever after when Russell only saw her as a booty call. Great sex doesn’t equal a great love.
To quote Aretha Franklin, who put it best on the official soundtrack, “Sometimes it hurts to love so bad. (When you know you’ve given all you can) Sometimes it hurts to even laugh. (You do your best but it’s still much too sad) Sometimes the pain is just too much. And it hurts like hell. That’s the way it feels.” Enough said.
Bernie learned this one the hard way when she had to start anew after her divorce. Ladies, always have your own money and your own dreams.
Bernie had no idea that a somber, post-court visit to the closest bar would turn into one of the most moving nights of her life. Live your life and it will all work out. Even when it hurts so much you feel like you can’t go on.
When your heart is broken into pieces, just as Bernadine’s was after her husband suddenly left her with nothing, sometimes you just have to let it burn so that the healing can begin.
It was the “grr” heard ’round the world. Poor Savannah couldn’t get Lionel out of her bed fast enough. Always beware of who you’re bringing home.
Can you imagine if Bernie, Robin, Savannah and Gloria hadn’t had each other to lean on in their time of need? Their love story was perhaps the greatest one of all.
We forgave you for this one Bernie, but girl you know you were wrong. Even in times of heartache and pain the high road is still the best road to take and it’s always best not to let them see you sweat
In the end, Savannah learned something that every woman should. You should never get involved with a married man and then believe him when he promises to leave his wife and put a ring on your finger instead. This scenario is the definition of empty promises.
Unfortunately young and naive Robin had to have this realization during an awkward moment between the sheets with Michael. Settling for less than you desire won’t make you happy, no matter how good he looks on paper.
Before Gloria could truly let Marvin love her the way she deserved, she first had to let go of the pain and scars from her past. Put simply, healing is a personal journey, and even the right man can’t do the work for you.
After on too many, Bernie couldn’t resist picking up the phone to call her ex and give him a piece of her mind. Instead, when his new girlfriend answered, things got pretty ugly, fast. Thankfully before she could go too far, her girls shut it down and found a way to left her spirits again.
When Savannah met Lionel, she thought she’d struck gold. Hmph. Not all books are as good as their covers, especially when it comes to romance.
When Gloria realized a new man was moving in next door, she put the charm on him and we know how well that worked out. (Wink.)
