Few television shows have defined modern womanhood, dating struggles, and the complexities of friendship quite like Sex and the City. Carrie Bradshaw’s weekly musings, coupled with the sharp wit of Miranda, the romantic idealism of Charlotte, and the unapologetic confidence of Samantha, gifted us a treasure trove of memorable quotes. Whether you need a boost of confidence or a perspective shift on relationships, these iconic lines still resonate today.

The Best Quotes on Love, Dating, and Modern Romance

"Maybe some women aren't meant to be tamed. Maybe they just need to run free until they find someone just as wild to run with them."

Author: Carrie Bradshaw

Benefit: A reminder that conforming to traditional expectations is not necessary for happiness.

"I'm looking for love. Real love. Ridiculous, inconvenient, consuming, can't-live-without-each-other love."

Author: Carrie Bradshaw

Benefit: A powerful articulation of wanting a passionate, all-encompassing romantic connection.

"He's just not that into you. So move on!"

Author: Miranda Hobbes

Benefit: The straightforward, necessary advice for recognizing when a relationship isn't going anywhere and cutting losses.

"Maybe our girlfriends are our soulmates, and guys are just people to have fun with."

Author: Carrie Bradshaw

Benefit: Highlighting the profound importance and deep intimacy found in female friendships.

"Some people are settling down, some people are settling, and some people are just settling."

Author: Carrie Bradshaw

Benefit: Encouraging self-awareness about the true nature of one's relationships—don't settle just to be coupled up.

"When did we stop doing the things we love just to have a boyfriend?"

Author: Carrie Bradshaw

Benefit: A vital question about maintaining individuality and personal passions within a relationship.

"We're single women in our 30s. We're not dead. We still have the right to fabulous shoes."

Author: Carrie Bradshaw

Benefit: A humorous affirmation that being single doesn't negate the right to enjoy life's luxuries.

"If you are single, you are not alone. You are just waiting for the right distraction."

Author: Samantha Jones

Benefit: A clever way to reframe the single experience with confidence and anticipation.

"I decided that as long as I was going to be single, I was going to be single and fabulous."

Author: Carrie Bradshaw

Benefit: Choosing to embrace the single life with style and self-assurance.

"The good ones are married, the bad ones are fun, and the ones that are left are desperate."

Author: Miranda Hobbes

Benefit: A cynical but often relatable assessment of the dating landscape in a major city.

"Relationships are like Fendi bags. They are an investment."

Author: Carrie Bradshaw

Benefit: Comparing the dedication needed for quality romance to the careful curation of high fashion.

"It's hard to find someone who doesn't need you, but wants you."

Author: Carrie Bradshaw

Benefit: Expressing the desire for a healthy relationship built on mutual desire rather than codependence.

Wisdom on Self-Worth, Ambition, and Finding Your Path

"The most exciting, challenging, and significant relationship of all is the one you have with yourself."

Author: Carrie Bradshaw

Benefit: Emphasizing that self-love and self-understanding are the foundation for all fulfillment.

"I will not be judged by you or society. I will wear whatever I want and date whoever I want."

Author: Samantha Jones

Benefit: An inspiring declaration of independence and refusal to adhere to societal standards.

"The only thing I ever ran into was a man's expectations. And I don't need a man to feel complete."

Author: Samantha Jones

Benefit: A powerful statement rejecting the notion that women must fulfill male expectations to be validated.

"I'm a woman in my prime, and I'm ready to take on the world."

Author: Miranda Hobbes

Benefit: Celebrating maturity and readiness to pursue career and life goals with renewed vigor.

"I'm going to get my life back, piece by piece, until I'm whole again."

Author: Charlotte York

Benefit: Encouraging resilience and the focused effort required for healing and personal recovery.

"Maybe the secret to life is just to keep trying, even when you feel like giving up."

Author: Carrie Bradshaw

Benefit: A simple yet profound truth about perseverance and enduring tough times.

"It takes a lot of time to look fabulous."

Author: Samantha Jones

Benefit: A humorous acknowledgment of the effort and investment required in self-presentation and confidence.

"Don't forget to fall in love with yourself first."

Author: Carrie Bradshaw

Benefit: The universal reminder that self-acceptance must precede seeking love from others.

"I have this vision of my life, and I'm not going to stop until I get it."

Author: Charlotte York

Benefit: Illustrating the power of focused ambition and commitment to one's dreams.

"I'm interested in the kind of man who has ambition, passion, and maybe a little bit of danger."

Author: Samantha Jones

Benefit: Defining the attraction to partners who are vibrant and challenging, not complacent.

"I love New York. You can be anything here."

Author: Carrie Bradshaw

Benefit: Capturing the exhilarating sense of possibility and freedom found in a bustling city.

Humor, Friendship, and Timeless Perspective

"Hello, my name is fabulous."

Author: Samantha Jones

Benefit: A perfect, concise mantra for introducing yourself with supreme confidence.

"Sometimes we need to stop analyzing the past, stop planning the future, stop insisting on certainty, stop expecting the world to make sense, and just take a leap of faith."

Author: Carrie Bradshaw

Benefit: Advice on letting go of control and embracing the unpredictable nature of life.

"The universe may not always give you what you want, but it will give you what you need."

Author: Charlotte York

Benefit: A comforting thought about trust and accepting destiny, even when it’s difficult.

"If you're going to put a limit on anything, put a limit on the amount of time you spend worrying."

Author: Miranda Hobbes

Benefit: Practical advice for prioritizing mental health and reducing anxiety.

"Sweetheart, you can't have everything. Where would you put it?"

Author: Samantha Jones

Benefit: A humorous counterpoint to excessive ambition, promoting contentment.

"Why is it that we can always find time for a drink, but never time for therapy?"

Author: Carrie Bradshaw

Benefit: A self-deprecating joke acknowledging the preference for quick fixes over introspection.

"I've been in love before, but this is different. This is grown-up love."

Author: Miranda Hobbes

Benefit: Distinguishing mature, stable love from youthful, potentially volatile passion.

"The important thing is to have deep, meaningful friendships."

Author: Charlotte York

Benefit: Reaffirming that close, supportive friends are essential pillars of a happy life.

"A relationship is like a good pair of shoes: it must fit perfectly."

Author: Carrie Bradshaw

Benefit: A metaphor for ensuring compatibility and comfort are key components in choosing a partner.

"Try to find the joy in the small things."

Author: Charlotte York

Benefit: Promoting gratitude and appreciation for the simple pleasures in daily life.

"I reserve the right to be fabulous."

Author: Samantha Jones

Benefit: A declaration of self-ownership and the continuous commitment to style and sparkle.

"I couldn't help but wonder... was it possible to put the past behind you and still look forward?"

Author: Carrie Bradshaw

Benefit: Addressing the universal struggle of moving on while acknowledging previous experiences.

"They say nothing lasts forever; dreams change, trends come and go, but friendships never go out of style."

Author: Carrie Bradshaw

Benefit: The ultimate sentiment prioritizing the enduring value of friendship above everything else.

From navigating the complexities of commitment to celebrating the unparalleled bond of friendship, these Sex and the City quotes remain as sharp and relevant today as they were decades ago. Use this wisdom from Carrie, Samantha, Charlotte, and Miranda to approach life with a little more confidence, style, and self-love.

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35 Iconic Sex and the City Quotes for Life & Love