It began with a question.

“Who are you?”

It defined a generation with the answer.

“Whoever you want me to be.”

Beginning ten years ago today, “The O.C.” began a four-year crash course in that overdone, indelibly awkward but poignant genre called “coming of age.” It was just one of countless adolescent melodramas that mainstay stations churn out like an angst factory every year, but as every teenager in love knows – it only takes one.

“The O.C.” was one of those rare programs that didn’t just ride the wave of a generational zeitgeist, it instructed it, constructed it. So much of that millennial adolescence-shaping television obsession wouldn’t exist if “The O.C.” weren’t there to pave the way. It is the original ancestor of “Laguna Beach,” and its equally, if not more popular sequel/ spin-off, “The Hills.” It is “Gossip Girl’s” tanner, richer, more dysfunctional older sibling. (Let’s face it -Serena van der Woodsen is just Marissa Cooper with better hair and a happy ending.) It is just a show, sure, but to those who grew up to the tune of “California” every Wednesday (then Thursday) night, it was an education.

I mean where else could you learn that the only friend you need in life is a miniature plastic horse?

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Unless, of course, a wife-beater-wearing Chino transplant shows up in your living room all brooding and handsome and wingman-ready.

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Watch out though, those wife-beaters can be contagious.

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And let’s never forget the customary way to greet any outsider in Orange County – with a salutary “bitch” and a kick to the baby-maker.

 Or that when in doubt, the obvious solution is to drink it out.

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And I mean, if you’re going to be a teenage alcoholic and have complete mental breakdown, it’s still of dire importance that your hair looks flawless.

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Because in “The O.C.” everything is flawless. They have better New Year’s than you.

And better cotillions. Hell, they actually have cotillions.

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And even better holidays – hello Chrismakkuh.

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And forget genetics,

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Or the fact that your mother may or may not be Julie Cooper Dragon Lady,

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All you really need to get you through the day/ summer/ life is a little sass

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Some takeout (because bagels and takeout are both legitimate food groups)

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And a hot neighbor/ doomed star-crossed lover to flirt with enigmatically.

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Just remember to never insult Journey.

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And to keep away from overly-friendly Olivers… because they might try to abduct you.

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But “The O.C.” taught important life lessons too – like if you shoot your boyfriend’s older brother, don’t aim to kill.

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Or that rain is the enemy. Stay away at all costs.

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Unless this happens.

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But, when all else fails, awkward dancing is always acceptable. Always. Especially if you’re Seth Cohen.

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Really, my heart goes out to today’s teenage generation. Grappling with impending adulthood is challenge enough, but doing it without proper cultural guidance? Now that’s just brutal. My advice? Take this week to catch up on “The O.C.” Though it is ten years old, some things (teen angst/true love/ a bitchin soundtrack) never fade.

Reach TV Editor Kelly Hanelt here.