9 Life Lessons We've All Learned From Reality Shows

As Lauren Conrad learns the hard way, attempting to meddle in a friend's relationship often ends in mascara-streaked tears and theatrical shouting matches. After Lauren repeatedly voices her disgust with Spencer Pratt to Heidi Pratt (née Montag), the seemingly steadfast friendship implodes. Lesson learned: offering helpful suggestions is the best way to preserve a friendship (even if your bestie's significant other isn't the most charming character).

Lauren's breakups with Jason Wahler and Doug Reinhardt may have caused heartbreak, but the blissfully married reality star's current relationship status is positive proof that every split is an opportunity to fall head over heels for someone new. Even the most painful and gossip-worthy splits open up an entire world of new chances for a true connection — if you open yourself up to the possibilities. Consider every breakup a hilarious anecdote in the making.

There's nothing like a camera crew to motivate confessional moments! From Spencer's unexpectedly earnest conversation with his therapist about his trouble with commitment to the moment when Heidi's mom reveals her distaste for her daughter's plastic surgery, The Hills is chock-full of truth bombs. When a relationship is on the line, the truth is always better than a white lie — even when your fibs aren't recorded for posterity.

The cast of Music City will face the conundrum of deciding between chasing their dreams and finding love. Up-and-coming country star Kerry Degman's attempts to juggle a successful music career with his family life back home will prove to be one of the most challenging struggles of his life, while fellow musician Jessica Mack's mission to simultaneously become the next country icon and find "the one" is a constant balancing act. After all, dating around the clock could easily be considered a full-time job.

From "You know what you did!" to "School gets in the way of everything. I'm, like, ready to finish already," DiVello's shows are full of pithy one-liners that are still relevant — and, in certain cases, cringeworthy — even a decade later. Whether you're posting a sarcastic tweet on Twitter or discussing the sordid details of last night's date with your bestie, remember that your most quotable soundbites might find their way to a larger audience.

Whitney Port and Lauren dabble in various facets of the fashion industry over the course of The Hills' six seasons, and it's through trial, error, and more than a few stress-induced anxiety attacks that they find their respective niches. While the norm may be to stick with a single career track for several decades, DiVello's shows remind us that experimenting with different jobs is a great way to find the perfect fit.

As evidenced by Lauren's rumored sex tape and Audrina Patridge's sleepover with Brody Jenner, secrets have a habit of finding their way into public knowledge. If reality TV is any indication, it's best to assume that dirty laundry can and will be aired.

Reality television has a way of separating true friends from those that look perfect on camera, but not in real life. From the demise of Heidi and Lauren's relationship to Kristin Cavallari's choice to leave her friends behind when she takes a journey of self-discovery to Europe, The Hills offers an excellent reminder that it's better to leave those drama-ridden relationships behind in the dust. The very best friends will always spend more time giving you support and expert advice than preening for the camera or snapping selfies.

Music City's Rachyl Degman, a stay-at-home mom who wishes to become a successful lawyer, is proof that making your way through tough times is a matter of perseverance, not luck. As Rachyl copes with the prospect of husband Kerry's absence due to a long tour, her strength and patience for their 2-year-old son, Wolfgang, offers a perfect example of the power of resilience.