What if one day we woke up and absolutely adored ourselves? That’s exactly what Amy Schumer’s latest film I Feel Pretty explores.

It follows Renee Barrett, an ordinary woman who desperately wants to know what it’s like to feel beautiful — and after waking up from a nasty fall, she does. Even though her appearance hasn’t technically changed, she believes it has.

It’s a rollercoaster that teaches us so many important life lessons — especially what not to do.

#1 Beauty Standards Really Do Suck

We’re constantly told it’s what’s on the inside that matters — but we know in a lot of situations, what’s on the outside definitely matters. It’s easier to attract people, look good, and feel confident when society has given you its stamp of approval. We see Renee realise this as she stares into a mirror with sad, sad eyes, criticising her stomach, body and face — a moment most of us know only too well.

Well, screw that! I Feel Pretty tells us to love ourselves anyway. Spend less time looking in the mirror and wondering “what if?” And more time dazzling with the traits that make you unique — your intelligence, humour, determination, kindness and inner (and outer) beauty. A kind soul is what truly makes you beautiful.

#2 Fitting Society’s Standard Of Beauty Won’t Make You Happy

No matter how beautiful, skinny, muscular or handsome you are, everyone has insecurities — and no one should invalidate that. When Renee meets a beautiful woman in the gym bathroom who confesses feeling self-conscious, Renee says, “I want to punch you right in the face.”

And while it makes for a good punchline, that kind of attitude is still pretty shit. Beauty comes with its own set of problems too, and no one is immune from that little voice in your head that tells you you’re lesser. We need to support those around us in overcoming insecurities — even if we don’t see them.

#3 Friendship Matters

Renee has two of the best friends in the world — friends who don’t care what she looks like, what she wears or how successful she is. But when she’s “beautiful”, Renee tries to get them to conform to her messed up beauty and dating standards, causing them to up and leave. Which is GREAT! Don’t allow someone in your life who only wants to change you.

Thankfully, Renee comes to her senses, apologises profusely with cookies, and makes it up to them with the realisation that beauty isn’t important — being a good and kind soul is.

#4 Tell People How You Feel

Communication is key. When Renee realises she’d never really changed at all, her confidence shatters — she believes she’s not good enough to succeed in her job, associate with the people around her, or even be with the man she loves. Instead of communicating her feelings, she runs away from her problems — something that obviously never works.

If you’re feeling insecure, talk to people — I guarantee those around you wouldn’t be there if they didn’t love you enough to work with your insecurities. A lot of the film’s problems would be instantly solved if the characters were honest about their experiences and feelings.

#5 You Are More Powerful Than You Realise

Trying — even if you don’t succeed — is the bravest thing you can do. So apply for that dream job you want, talk to that person you like, befriend those who make you feel happy and confident, flirt, and seek out and accept opportunities. If you don’t do anything different, nothing will ever change. Like Renee, your dream job, dream love, or perfect friend could be just waiting around the corner for you. Who knows what you could accomplish if you only believed?

#6 And Finally, The Best Excuse To Get Out Of Any Sort Of Situation

Tell them you have explosive diarrhoea, and need to go RIGHT NOW. I promise you, this will work. Bye-bye random person flirting who just won’t leave you alone. You’re welcome — but probably don’t use this one on your boss.

Zoe is a journalist with a passion for all things wacky and strange. Like her on Facebook or follow her on Twitter for more!

(Lead image: I Feel Pretty/Voltage Pictures)