Today’s post on the funniest pop-culture references on Gilmore Girls immediately prompted a morning discussion about its most underrated character, Emily Gilmore. The oft thought-of, deluded, vain, and grandiose matriarch portrayed brilliantly by Broadway veteran Kelly Bishop, is more than a caricature of East Coast blue bloods. Gilmore, whether you love or loathe her, provided countless life lessons many of which some of us still use today. Here, we pinpoint the thirteen lessons everyone should take away from the member of the Hartford chapter of the D.A.R.

1. #twinning is always in style.

Matching wardrobes with family always works. Just look at Kimye. Or the Gilmores.

2. Always look one’s best just in case you get pulled over and thrown in jail. Emily takes her short stint in the clink in stride in a boucle jacket and trouser ensemble.

3. Tennis is an elegant sport. Platform tennis is not.

4. Shopping is a sport. Go for the gold.

Nothing beats going to a store—in person—and having the staff know exactly what you are looking for. And house accounts are always in fashion.

5. Nicknames sometimes are just nicknames. No story needed.

6. Family first. Always.

Kids are always off-limits but if brought up, anything is game. Including one’s appearance.

7. Know the importance of a good accessory.

A Birkin bag. Nothing else needs to be said.

8. Antiques are serious business. As is pudding.

Nothing says I love you like Post-it notes on to-be-inherited valuables.

9. Not all gifts need to be displayed publicly.

Sometimes friends or family have the best intentions but a frog statuette or monkey lamp might not go with minimal décor. However, always make sure to put them out whenever they visit.

10. Remember misery loves company.

Family is great but we all need a buffer once in a while. Also, snacks help, but should never be announced.

11. Street food is an adventure and an investment.

Never underestimate the deliciousness of Boston Market or In-N-Out.

12. Technology is not effective.

Take note technology-holics, sometimes devices work against you. iPhone misspellings are the result of a judgmental device.

13. Family occasions and celebrations should never be done via voicemail (or text, tweet, Instagram, etc.).

News of my brother’s recent engagement came not from him directly but via a text message. Like Emily, I shall always treasure its sentiment, as there’s something special about receiving this type of news while at my apartment—eight blocks away from the restaurant where he proposed.