5 Deeply Relatable Quotes from Vada in ‘My Girl’
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By Kevin Prchal
On a recent rewatch of Howard Zieff’s My Girl, I was once again charmed by the summery atmosphere, the lovable cast, and the cavity-sweet story. What I didn’t anticipate as a 40-year-old man, however, was just how much I’d relate to the film’s 11-year-old girl protagonist Vada Sultenfuss.
If you’re like me, coasting into the halftime show of your life, here are 5 quotes from Vada that’ll make you say “Girl, same.”
1. “The whole medical profession is a crock.”
Who hasn’t felt this way before? Last time I was sick and needed to see my doctor, the earliest they could see me was in two weeks. Not exactly useful when your house is swimming in daycare germs. Preach, Vada.
2. “I like ice cream a whole lot/It tastes good on days that are hot/On a cone or in a dish/This will be my only wish/Vanilla, chocolate, rocky road/Even with pie, a la mode.”
In my 20s, I loved combing through the abstract lyrics of Bob Dylan. In my 30s, I was swept away by the spiritually grounded words of Mary Oliver. Now in my 40s, this is the kind of poetry I live for.
3. “Get out of here and don’t come back for 5-7 days!”
Cable guys, exterminators, sealcoaters, listen up: I don’t care what you’re selling. If you knock on my door, I’ll be polite but this is what I’m screaming on the inside.
4. “In social studies we learned they stole the Lindbergh baby right out of his house. I think I’ll sleep with my window open tonight.”
Of course Vada didn’t actually want to be kidnapped, but what adult can’t relate to the sentiment here? Whether it’s in the pages of a great book or a much needed vacation—every middle-aged human longs to be swept away to something beyond their daily grind every now and then.
5. “Feel my aura.” “I don’t think I’m allowed to.”
OK, no one’s asked me to feel their aura, but “I don’t think I’m allowed to” is more or less the energy I bring to most new or unusual situations. Only call me if there’s ice cream involved, thanks.
Kevin Prchal is editor-in-chief of Cinema Sugar.