Cady and Aaron’s Romance

Mean Girls

Cady Heron’s crush on Aaron Samuels develops through idealization, deception, disappointment, and a more honest reunion.

increasing

Bearing strength in each event

decreasing

A First Sight A First Sight from "Mean Girls". A First Sight Immediate Attraction Cady Heron sees Aaron Samuels in calculus and experiences her first intense crush since childhood.

A First Sight from "Mean Girls". A First Sight Immediate Attraction Cady Heron sees Aaron Samuels in calculus and experiences her first intense crush since childhood.

A First Sight Immediate Attraction Cady Heron sees Aaron Samuels in calculus and experiences her first intense crush since childhood. His request for a pencil becomes a memorable opening. Romantic Projection She imagines music and possibility around a brief exchange. Her feelings are sincere, but she knows little about Aaron beyond the image she has formed.

A Small Conversation A Small Conversation from "Mean Girls". A Small Conversation Awkward Beginnings Aaron asks Cady what day it is, and later comments on the rain.

A Small Conversation from "Mean Girls". A Small Conversation Awkward Beginnings Aaron asks Cady what day it is, and later comments on the rain.

A Small Conversation Awkward Beginnings Aaron asks Cady what day it is, and later comments on the rain. Their early conversations are brief, but Cady treats them as meaningful progress. An Invitation Aaron invites her to a Halloween party and jokes that she should not bring another boy. Cady reads the invitation as evidence that the crush may be mutual.

The Halloween Disappointment The Halloween Disappointment from "Mean Girls". The Halloween Disappointment Regina’s Lie Regina George tells Aaron fabricated stories about Cady and kisses him. Cady sees the moment and runs from the party.

The Halloween Disappointment from "Mean Girls". The Halloween Disappointment Regina’s Lie Regina George tells Aaron fabricated stories about Cady and kisses him. Cady sees the moment and runs from the party.

The Halloween Disappointment Regina’s Lie Regina George tells Aaron fabricated stories about Cady and kisses him. Cady sees the moment and runs from the party. Hurt and Loyalty Cady takes her pain to Janis Ian, who turns it into a reason to retaliate. The experience links Cady’s romantic disappointment to a wider conflict she does not yet understand.

The Tutor’s Kiss The Tutor’s Kiss from "Mean Girls". The Tutor’s Kiss A Private Moment Aaron Samuels tutors Cady at his house, and their academic conversation becomes intimate.

The Tutor’s Kiss from "Mean Girls". The Tutor’s Kiss A Private Moment Aaron Samuels tutors Cady at his house, and their academic conversation becomes intimate.

The Tutor’s Kiss A Private Moment Aaron Samuels tutors Cady at his house, and their academic conversation becomes intimate. They kiss, but Aaron pulls away because he is still with Regina George. Truth Changes the Stakes Cady tells Aaron about Regina’s affair with Shane Oman. Aaron’s response ends his relationship with Regina, but leaves Cady uncertain about whether he will choose her.

Reconciliation at the Dance Reconciliation at the Dance from "Mean Girls". Reconciliation at the Dance A New Approach Aaron sees Cady at Spring Fling after her victory with the Mathletes.

Reconciliation at the Dance from "Mean Girls". Reconciliation at the Dance A New Approach Aaron sees Cady at Spring Fling after her victory with the Mathletes.

Reconciliation at the Dance A New Approach Aaron sees Cady at Spring Fling after her victory with the Mathletes. Their exchange is playful rather than built around a scheme or an invented academic weakness. Mutual Affection They dance and kiss. The romance can begin again because Cady has started to act more honestly and Aaron is no longer tied to Regina.

during Cady Heron’s first calculus class

on October 3 and in the following weeks

at the Halloween party at Chris’s

after Cady Heron begins struggling in calculus

at the ending Spring Fling celebration