The Netflix Original With Love, Meghan has been getting a lot of attention lately—and not all of it is positive. From Meghan being mocked for transferring store-bought peanut butter pretzels from one plastic bag to another to her carefully styled “high-low” white outfits while cooking, the criticism has been relentless. People have even called out her mannerisms and music choices. And honestly, those are some of the nicer comments floating around online.
After watching the series, I couldn’t help but reflect on some of the deeper themes that seemed to hit a nerve—especially when it comes to the modern millennial experience.
1. The Millennial Woman’s Desire for Perfection
Let’s be real—the production quality was stunning. From the charming, thoughtfully designed kitchens to the beautiful garden and the perfectly curated jar collection, everything was as Meghan herself would say, “darling.” The soft Motown soundtrack playing every few minutes gave it that cozy Nancy Meyers feel—like a scene straight out of Father of the Bride or It’s Complicated.
And that’s exactly why it struck a chord.
Millennials grew up watching these kinds of movies. We dreamed of owning the cozy house from Father of the Bride, cooking in the warm, airy kitchen from It’s Complicated, and living out the carefree magic of Parent Trap. Meghan’s show taps into that idealized version of the American Dream—a beautiful home, a picture-perfect life, and effortless elegance.
It even reminded me of Kirsten Dunst in Marie Antoinette, where the Queen would create a “peasant” village so her children could experience a charming, simple life—except it was all staged. Meghan’s show gives off that same vibe. It’s pretty, but it’s also… calculated.
2. Our Constant Battle with Comparison
One of the biggest critiques of the show is how out of touch it feels. Most of us don’t have two gourmet kitchens or the time (or staff) to whip up homemade meals from scratch while looking effortlessly chic.
The moment it hit me was in the second episode when Meghan demonstrated how to make a balloon arch—a Pinterest staple that moms have been mastering for over a decade. Yet, her guest acted like it was the most original idea ever. And I couldn’t help but think, Yes, Mindy, you too can make a balloon arch for your kid’s birthday.
But even though we know it’s all staged, it still plants that nagging question: Should I be doing more?
That’s the danger. The desire for a curated life can quickly turn into jealousy and resentment. It’s easy to think, Sure, you can make everything from scratch—but are you the one cleaning it up afterward? Or, Must be nice to have a bright, spacious kitchen while I’m stuck in my tiny galley kitchen.
Twenty years ago, the only people we compared ourselves to were our neighbors, school moms, or maybe a friend from church. Now, thanks to social media, the Joneses are everywhere. We’re not just comparing ourselves to the mom down the street—we’re comparing ourselves to everyone, all the time. And it’s exhausting.
Is Perfection Really the Goal?
The curated, beautiful life that With Love, Meghan presents isn’t inherently bad. Creating a cozy home, cooking nourishing meals, and designing beautiful moments are all good things. But when perfection becomes the goal, it breeds dissatisfaction.
Instead of chasing Meghan-level perfection, maybe the takeaway is to find beauty in the imperfect. Your balloon arch might not look Pinterest-perfect, but if your toddler’s face lights up, does it really matter? Your kitchen might not have designer countertops, but adding a plant or a painting that makes you smile creates that same feeling of warmth and charm.
Perfection isn’t the goal. Connection is. Authenticity is. Joy is.
That’s what I took away from the series. Beneath the polished surface, Meghan was encouraging creativity at home. And honestly, that’s a message worth taking to heart. If you’re a creative person, you’ll naturally want to make your space beautiful. I have plenty of creative friends whose homes reflect their personalities—and that’s probably why I wasn’t overly impressed with Meghan’s approach. It felt too curated, too staged.
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, With Love, Meghan isn’t groundbreaking—it’s a reminder to find inspiration where you can without falling into the trap of comparison. Take what works for you, leave the rest behind.
Did the show inspire you or leave you feeling like you need to step up your game? Let me know in the comments below!
