8 Bad Lessons The Kardashians Have Taught Us And 7 Good Ones

Whether you love the Kardashians or love to hate them (or, okay, just genuinely hate them), the influence of this reality television family is undeniable. With millions of social media followers and a hit TV show spanning almost a decade, this family has become a household name. And, along with their fame, the Kardashian family has taught us a multitude of lessons… both bad and good. From setting unrealistic standards of beauty and flaunting their wealth on the Internet to owning their bodies and putting their family first, there are dozens of good and bad sides of the Kardashian clan. It's okay to not agree with everything they do and it's also okay to think that there are some aspects of this family that we should aspire to. Whether you learn from their mistakes or learn from their actions, it's clear that there is a lot to be learned from the Kardashians.

15 Bad: They Promote Unrealistic Beauty Standards

It's hard to deny that every member of the Kardashian family is naturally gorgeous and basically genetically #blessed. Even without all the cosmetic enhancements and fancy clothing, each family member is downright gorgeous. But it's easy to forget that a lot of help goes into making the Kardashians look so perfect on a regular basis. Hours upon hours of work go into their hair and makeup… often done by beauty and hair professionals. Most of the family members have a personal team of makeup and hair artists as well as stylists who help them achieve their red carpet looks. In addition, editing and retouching helps the family look flawless in photos, so not all of their beauty can be accredited to the genetic lottery. No average person has the time (or money) to do everything that goes into looking like a Kardashian, but their lavish beauty routines still help perpetuate unrealistic standards of beauty for those who don't realize how much work actually goes into looking that way.

14 Bad: You Should Brag About Your Life On Social Media

The Kardashians are infamous for their heavy social media use and Kim and the like seem to use Instagram, Twitter, and Snapchat on a daily basis. They use social media to show off their luxurious lifestyles which include designer clothing, expensive cars, and mansions only seen in movies. It makes the rest of the world envious of their lavish lives and promotes flaunting affluence and material stuff online for the rest of the world to see. Even if the Kardashian family doesn't mean to brag about their lives in such an obnoxious way, it's hard to deny that they flaunt what they have online. While there's nothing wrong with showing off what you've worked for and achieved, there is a fine line between celebrating your success and bragging. It would be nice to see the Kardashians use their huge social media presence for good. Instead of bragging about their jewels and designer duds, they could bring attention to more worthy causes that actually deserve attention.

13 Bad: You Need Plastic Surgery

While most of the Kardashian women deny having plastic surgery to enhance their looks, before and after photos definitely tell a different story. Many of them have admitted to having some cosmetic enhancements done, including Kylie Jenner, who would have been just a teen when she first began getting lip injections. While plastic surgery can sometimes help improve your confidence (and you have every right to express yourself however you choose), using it to fit conventional standards of beauty can be damaging, especially when you're in the spotlight. You should strive to accept yourself the way you are instead of feeling like you need to look a certain way in order to be beautiful. When Kylie admitted to getting lip fillers (it's also been rumored she has had breast and buttocks implants), she said she did so to look more like her sisters. She explained she was always self-conscious about how much more plump her sisters' lips were, and she wanted to look like them. You shouldn't want to get plastic surgery to look like someone else, and that type of attitude can be damaging to young men and women who struggle to accept their bodies the way they are. We hope Kylie had the right intentions when she chose to permanently alter her appearance and didn't do it because she felt she needed to look a certain way!

12 Bad: Rushing Into Marriage Is Totally Okay

No one in the Kardashian family seems concerned that many of the members tend to quickly jump into relationships and even marriage. Kim's infamous marriage to Kris Humphries lasted a mere 72 days, which may have been because they'd only been dating for six months before getting engaged. No one in the family seemed too concerned that she was rushing into such a big commitment… or even that it came crumbling down so quickly. Other members have been quick to jump into matters of the heart as well. Khloe Kardashian had a whirlwind relationship with Lamar Odom before getting married, and the couple struggled with their relationship for several years before calling it quits. Even younger brother Rob quickly had a baby and got engaged to Blac Chyna (Kylie's boyfriend Tyga's ex-fiancée and baby mama), and their quick relationship doesn't seem to be faring too well recently. If there is a history of poor decisions when it comes to your dating life, your family should at least be slightly concerned about your judgment. Being married for 72 days is not the norm!

11 Bad: They Act Like Money Can Buy You Happiness

On Keeping Up with the Kardashians, the family has talked about how money isn't everything. But those words don't match up with their usual actions. The family is always spoiling each other with lavish gifts and taking expensive vacations. While it's not wrong to spend your money on luxurious things if you can afford it, it's important to remember that money can't buy you happiness. It's easy to watch their reality show and think that, if you could afford a Lamborghini for a birthday present and have three different mansions all within thirty minutes of each other, then you would be happy, too. We don't see everything that goes on in the Kardashians' lives, but, if we did, it would probably be clear that wealth doesn't always make you happy. We'd love to see the Kardashians emphasize the benefits of material goods and wealth a bit less, and remind the world what really makes people happy, such as spending time with the people you love and making lasting memories.

10 Bad: You Should Use Your Body To Advance Your Career

There is absolutely nothing wrong with owning your sexuality. That is actually one of the reasons we love the Kardashians. But there's a fine line between embracing your body and using it to advance your career. Everyone knows that Kim K first became a household name through her tape with Ray-J. We love that Kim wasn't embarrassed by the tape and instead used it to her advantage. But that doesn't mean she needs to continue using her body to sell. It seems like the entire Kardashian family has taken after Kim and has begun using their figures to advance their career. From racy photo shoots to Internet-breaking nude selfies, the ladies seem to know what gets them attention, even if it's bad. Momager Kris even said on their show that, while she was upset about Kim's tape as her mom, she thought it was a good career move as her manager. Like all women, the Kardashian ladies have more talent than just their good looks, so we'd love to see them shine a spotlight on that rather than their derrieres for a change.

9 Bad: You Need To Spend Tons Of Money And Time On Your Appearance

While many celebrities have taken the #nomakeup selfie challenge as a way to show off their natural beauty, we've yet to see the Kardashian ladies take the same leap. Instead, it always seems like they're piling on the makeup and continually wearing designer clothing in their Instagram photos, making it seem like you need to put a certain amount of time and effort into looking a specific way. Fashion and beauty is all about expressing yourself, so if you enjoy spending a lot of time perfecting your look, then you should totally go for it. But the problem is that the Kardashians make it seem like such extra effort is necessary to be beautiful in today's world, rather than celebrating the different modes of expression people take with their looks (which can be anything from a full face of makeup to going au naturel). There's no need to always be wearing pounds of makeup and wearing certain brands if it's not your thing. The important thing is that you're staying true to yourself, no matter if that includes winged eyeliner or not.

8 Bad: The Best Things In Life Are Flashy And Fancy

The Kardashians take excess to a whole new level. From gold-plated toilets to millions of dollars worth of designer dresses, it is clear that this family likes the finer things in life. While indulging in luxurious, materialistic items can be great, it does not guarantee you a certain level of happiness. But sometimes the Kardashians make it seem like all of the best things in life are flashy and excessive, when that is totally not the case. For instance, Kim's elaborate European wedding (part of which took place at Versailles) made it seem like every wedding needs to be over-the-top or elaborate to be a fairy tale come true. But, for many couples, such excessiveness is not necessary and is even unwanted. It would be nice to see the Kardashians embrace some of the simpler things in life and stop emphasizing that all the best things come in bright, sparkly packages.

7 Good: You Should Be Confident And Empowered

If there's anything the Kardashians have taught us, it's that you should own and rock your own sexuality, no matter what anyone else says. Critics aka haters love to tell the Kardashian ladies that they shouldn't be posting such racy photos online (whether a personal selfie or from a professional shoot), especially if they're mothers. What's wrong with a mother being confident and hot and proud of it? We're not into when haters try to body shame. We are super inspired by how confident and empowered these women are. Their serious levels of confidence are pretty awesome, as every woman should have as much confidence in herself as Kim does when she released her book of selfies. Even if you don't feel comfortable showing off too much skin, you should never let anyone tell you how you should or should not embrace your sexuality or be comfortable in your own body.

6 Good: Don't Let The Haters Get You Down

Regardless of whether you think they deserve it or not, the Kardashians face a lot of harsh criticism from the media and from the public. They get body shamed (like they fat shamed Kim during her pregnancy, which was totally ridiculous), there are always super false rumors flying around, and they are also called vapid. Yeah, the family definitely faces their fair share of hate. What's super awesome is that the family rarely lets negative press affect them. While we've seen most of the girls cry on the show from hurtful comments or media attention, they never let it affect their self-confidence too much. Having a good cry is encouraged, but then you just need to hold your head high with a brave face. In a nutshell, one of the best qualities about the Kardashians is that they never let the haters get them down. And that's definitely something you should inspire to achieve in your own life, too!

5 Good: It's Okay To Let Loose And Be Silly

As glamorous as the Kardashian ladies usually are, they're also known for getting super goofy and silly with each other, whether the cameras are rolling or not. Fans often see the family being goofy with each other or getting TMI on their reality show, demonstrating this famous family knows how to have a good time every once and a while. Kim's old photos from her partying days (when she was BFFs with Paris Hilton) prove this family has been having fun for a long time… and that's a good thing. As important as it is to work hard, it's equally important to play hard. You need to give yourself time to relax and recharge, which especially includes having some silly times with your loved ones. The Kardashians definitely know how to hustle (they didn't build their empire from nothing), so it's nice to see that they're not afraid to let loose once and awhile, especially for the cameras! The Kardashians aren't always about seriousness and the glam life, which is a good reminder that none of us should be that way, either.

4 Good: Don't Settle For Less Than You Deserve

As drama filled as their love lives have been, the Kardashian women have never let a partner treat them in any way less than they deserve. That's definitely something that we should all copy in our own romantic lives. Kourtney has always had a tumultuous relationship with her long-time boyfriend Scott Disick, but she wasn't afraid to break things off with him for the sake of their three children when his partying was getting in the way. Not only did she put her kids first, but she also put herself first because she knew she deserved better treatment from her partner. We're just happy that the couple has seemed to work things out! It's never okay for your lover to treat you poorly, but, if they do, then you know it's time to show them the front door. Never settle for anything less than you deserve, whether in your romantic life, career, or otherwise. Anytime a lover isn't treating you right then it's time to remove yourself from the relationship (just like Khloe, Kim, and Kourtney have done time and time again). And never let them back into your life until they can treat you like you deserve.

3 Good: Support Your Family No Matter What

Every member of the Kardashian family has made some pretty dumb decisions throughout the years. Rob has been increasingly distant and hurtful to his family recently. Kim has had a string of failed relationships (and marriages). Khloe got a DUI and got charged. Lamar and a serious overdose and the family rushed to his side (even though he and Khloe were getting a divorce). The list goes on and on. But no matter what anyone in the family does, they continue to be supportive of each other. The amount of support and love the Kardashians have for their family and friends is something to aspire to. They always strive to understand and support each other, even if they don't fully agree with what each other are doing. Yet, they also aren't afraid to offer some tough love when necessary- but in the gentlest way possible. The encouragement they offer one another is undeniable, and everyone deserves to have such a strong support system backing them up.

2 Good: Don't Be Ashamed Of Your Emotions

We've seen various members of the Kardashians break down during their reality show, and we love how real they get. They're never afraid to reveal how they're feeling or stay true to themselves, even if they know they might face criticism. Moreover, the family is supportive of one another during such difficult times and encourage one another to be upfront with how they're feeling, even if people don't want to hear it. Just think about how broken Kim was when it was revealed her marriage to Kris Humphries was over. Her crying face may have inspired dozens of memes, but she certainly hasn't been afraid to be truthful about her feelings since. She's even taken an indefinite break from social media following her robbery in Paris, even though that could be detrimental to her fear. The real lesson is that you should never feel wrong for what you're feeling. You should remain true to yourself and always put you first, even if people don't like what that means for you (such as Kim not posting selfies on a regular basis anymore). Your feelings are valid and important. Enough said, right?

1 Good: Family Is Important

Whether you hate or love the Kardashians, you can't deny how super strong their family bond is. Each member has said at one point or another that family comes first, and they definitely stick to that motto in the way they act. Whether it's defending each other on social media or celebrating their accomplishments, they've got each other's back. No matter what each family member goes through or does, they stick by each other's side through thick or thin. Perhaps one of the best examples of this is when Bruce Jenner transitioned to Caitlyn. This was definitely a trying and difficult time for the entire family, as that is a lot to get used to, especially when in the spotlight. But the entire family had Caitlyn's back through the entire process, showing their support through social media, on their TV show, and in comments to the media (and hitting back at negative media comments). Whatever life throws at them, the Kardashian family sticks together, and we love that they're always putting their family first.