With the third season of Netflix’s “House of Cards” right around the corner, there’s no better time than now to reflect on the wise teachings of Congressman-turned-Vice-President-turned-President Francis Joseph “Frank” Underwood.
Besides being a master of manipulation and murder, Frank is also an expert in love, so before you grab the ribs, pull up Netflix and pop a squat on the coach for the next three days, let’s take a look at the eight best lessons Frank Underwood taught us about love.
Note: If you have not seen the second season of “House of Cards,” or if you’ve never even watched the show (shame on you!), you might not want to read this article – just sayin’.
“I love that woman. I love her more than sharks love blood.”
If you can love someone as much as Jaws loves attacking beach-goers, then you’ve got yourself a match, and Frank found himself a match in Claire.
“A great man once said, ‘Everything is about sex. Except sex. Sex is about power.’”
Sex is an important part of any relationship, but Frank isn’t naïve enough to assume there isn’t an underlying power play always going on. His relationship with Zoe proved that.
“I should have thought of this before. Appeal to the heart, not the brain.”
Most of the time, love and logic don’t go hand in hand, and Frank used this to his advantage when he tried hustling Donald Blythe for his vote.
“When we care too much, it blinds us.”
Frank only loves a few people, and Freddy is definitely one of them. However, he doesn’t let that love cloud his vision when it comes to doing what’s best for him. Can you say the same?
“He can go after me all he wants, but to go after my wife? No class.”
If you’re not going to stick up for the ones you love, who will?
“Did Zoe expect me to twiddle my thumbs until her arrival? Perhaps she’s making the mistake thinking her time is as valuable as mine. Proximity to power deludes some into believing they wield it. I put an end to that sort of thinking before it begins.”
Always remember that you have control over your life and your relationships – no one else does. Frank doesn’t sit around waiting for a man to call, and you shouldn’t either!
“Did you smell that? The smugness, the false deference. She thinks I can be bought with a pair of tickets. What am I? A whore in post-war Berlin salivating over free stockings and chocolate. What she’s asking will cost far more than that.”
Don’t let anyone, especially someone you’re dating, treat you less than what you deserve.
“There are two kinds of pain. The sort of pain that makes you strong or useless pain. The sort of pain that’s only suffering. I have no patience for useless things.”
After a bad date, fight or breakup, let those things give you strength instead of drowning your sorrows in a bowl of mac and cheese the size of your head. (Or maybe do that after the mac and cheese. No judgment!)
So the next time you’re contemplating your next move in love or in life, think about what Frank Underwood would do. Tap, tap!
