5 Lessons We Can Learn From Crazy Eyes On 'Orange Is The New Black'

Warning: This article contains some spoilers from season three of "Orange is the New Black."

"Orange is the New Black" is one of the most popular shows currently.

Avid fans of the show form connections with all of the inmates, but one of the most popular characters is Suzanne “Crazy Eyes” Warren.

She can be wild and entertaining to watch, but a lot of people fail to see how relatable she is.

Through her mistakes and vulnerability, Crazy Eyes has graced us with some lessons we can bring into our own lives:

1. We all need to practice empathy.

From the start of season one, viewers of the show knew Suzanne as “Crazy Eyes” before even learning her actual name, since that’s what all the inmates call her.

We all remember one of the saddest scenes ever when Suzanne asks Chapman why everyone calls her that.

If you’re anything like me, your heart flooded with tears because no one deserves to feel the way she felt at that very moment.

It can be easy to put someone in a box before getting to know him or her, but that’s not the answer. If the inmates had identified with her feelings, Suzanne’s pain could have been avoided.

We should never make anyone feel small. At the end of the day, we are all human.

2. Never stop yourself from trying something new.

One of the most entertaining parts of season three was watching the prisoners obsess over Suzanne’s erotic novel.

If Suzanne discouraged herself, she never would have been able to realize how much she enjoyed writing it and how much other people enjoyed reading it.

I know I stop myself from doing things sometimes because I’m afraid of failure, but I’m only holding myself back by not taking every opportunity available to me.

Not everybody liked Suzanne’s story, but that didn’t stop her from writing it.

3. Everyone needs love.

Whether Suzanne is receiving love from someone else or giving, she feels the emotion deeply.

Her refusal to see that Vee, a manipulative and dangerous ringleader, has taken advantage of her is a prime of example of her thirst for someone who will care for her.

And when Suzanne loves you, she really loves you. Remember season one when she decides to make Piper her wifey? She may have been aggressive, but the point is everyone craves and deserves love.

Whether it’s from a parent, a partner or a friend, we all need love.

I remember Suzanne telling a heartbroken Morello that someone who isn’t smart enough to love back doesn’t deserve your love. It’s that simple.

4. It’s okay to take time for yourself.

I remember watching an episode where Suzanne vocalized such an awesome metaphor for life. She was randomly cleaning the bathroom floors to get rid of the dirt.

When she’s upset, she feels that in doing this dreaded task, she’s able to get rid of the cluster of dirt in her mind.

It doesn’t matter that she has to deal with the disgusting smell or the fungus is the corner; her well-being is what matters.

Just like Suzanne, it’s easy for me to get upset or frustrated with myself, but it’s not okay for me to keep beating myself up about it. I tend to put a lot of pressure on myself, and I need to learn to take a breather.

Find something that helps you clear your mind.

5. Loyalty is essential in friendship.

I don’t think anyone will disagree with me when I say Suzanne is extremely loyal. When she has your back, she really has your back.

Yes, she can be bit extreme at times, but if you are a friend to her, Suzanne will be a friend to you.

Friendships are precious and weeding out the bad ones isn’t a problem. Doing what’s best for you is the goal here.

Surround yourself with people who love you and push you forward in life and give the same in return.