Never Been Kissed: The Awkward Comedy That Teaches Us About Self-Worth and Mental Health

If you’ve ever found yourself thinking, “I can’t believe I just did that,” while hiding under a desk or avoiding eye contact after a particularly awkward moment, then you’re probably familiar with the unspoken, but very real, impact of Never Been Kissed.

The 1999 film starring Drew Barrymore, as Josie Geller—an awkward, self-doubting, and somewhat misunderstood journalist—may seem like just another cheesy high school rom-com. But it’s really a quirky, hilarious, and surprisingly insightful take on mental health and self-esteem. It also might make you laugh so hard that you forget to cringe.

The Awkwardness of Growing Up

Let’s be honest, high school wasn’t a walk in the park for most of us. And for Josie, reliving those years as a 25-year-old, she quickly learns that while the passage of time doesn’t erase the scars of adolescence, it does give us the chance to rewrite the narrative.

Through a blend of humor and heartfelt moments, Never Been Kissed explores the deep-seated insecurities that many people carry long after the school bell rings. Josie’s struggle with feeling invisible, being bullied, and later, questioning her worth as a grown adult—chasing the elusive "perfect kiss"—is a universal experience that speaks volumes about how mental health struggles can often be rooted in our early years.

But, like any good rom-com, the film brings Josie on a journey of self-acceptance. While she’s on the quest for her first kiss (because, who doesn’t want a grand romantic moment?), it’s really about understanding her self-worth and overcoming the lingering effects of past rejection. The true kiss, it turns out, isn't about romance but the love and acceptance she learns to give herself.

Embracing the Awkward

Let’s face it—awkward moments are practically a given in Never Been Kissed. Whether it’s Josie trying to fit in with high schoolers or her awkwardly sincere moments with her crush, Sam (played by Michael Vartan), the humor in the film comes from the real and relatable discomfort of trying to “be someone else” or “fit in” while battling imposter syndrome.

This ties into a crucial lesson for mental health: sometimes, you just have to lean into the awkward. If you're feeling like you're stumbling through life, it's okay to not have it all together. No one does. In fact, embracing vulnerability and laughing at our missteps can be one of the most powerful ways to heal from anxiety, self-doubt, or the ghosts of past trauma.

In one of the movie's most iconic scenes, Josie, clad in an embarrassing costume at prom, faces her fears head-on. She realizes that being true to herself is the real key to happiness and growth. In the world of mental health, that moment is gold—it’s a reminder that our flaws don’t define us, and embracing them can be a game-changer for mental well-being.

The "Perfect Kiss" and Self-Worth

While Josie’s quest for the "perfect kiss" may seem shallow on the surface, it symbolizes something deeper: the search for validation, connection, and affirmation that we are worthy of love and respect. For many of us, our mental health struggles are intertwined with feelings of not being good enough, whether it’s in the eyes of others or ourselves. The idea of finding a “perfect kiss” is ultimately about the search for self-acceptance and unconditional love.

By the end of the movie, Josie learns that the kiss she truly needed was the one from herself. And isn’t that what mental health recovery is all about? Learning to accept, appreciate, and love ourselves, flaws and all?

The Mental Health Message Beneath the Laughs

While Never Been Kissed is a lighthearted film that will make you laugh, it also delivers some serious mental health takeaways:

Growth takes time. Just like Josie, many of us go through phases in our lives where we feel stuck in the past. But with time, self-awareness, and support, we can heal and reinvent ourselves, even if it means confronting painful memories.
You don’t need to be perfect. Josie’s most memorable moments aren’t about perfection but about vulnerability. It’s okay to make mistakes and experience setbacks—what matters is how we learn from them and move forward.
Self-love is the ultimate kiss. The film teaches us that love from others is wonderful, but real happiness and emotional well-being come from self-love. Josie’s final transformation isn’t about getting the boy or fitting in—it’s about accepting who she is.
It’s okay to be awkward. If you’ve ever stumbled through a conversation, missed the mark on a joke, or over-explained yourself, you’re not alone. Embrace the awkwardness; it’s part of being human. Laugh at yourself, and let go of the pressure to be perfect.

The Bottom Line

Never Been Kissed is a feel-good movie that delivers not just laughs but also some powerful mental health lessons. It reminds us that life can be awkward, messy, and imperfect—and that’s okay. In fact, that’s what makes it beautiful.

So, the next time you find yourself in an awkward moment, remember Josie Geller’s journey. Be kind to yourself, laugh at the absurdity, and know that even on your toughest days, you are worthy of love and acceptance—especially from yourself.

Takeaway

If you’ve ever felt like you didn’t quite fit in or struggled to find your worth, Never Been Kissed might be the perfect reminder that you don’t have to have it all together to be deserving of happiness. Embrace your quirks, laugh at the awkwardness, and remember that you’re worthy of love—just as you are.

And who knows, maybe your “perfect kiss” is already waiting in the form of self-acceptance. 💋