There are many themes in this well written, well-acted movie. Seeing it again in my adult years, a new perspective emerged. The men in Andie's life consist of her dad, her friend Duckie, and a school friend, Blane. Duckie and her dad can't seem to take responsibility for their behaviour, nor their own happiness. Duckie says to Andie, "I'm not particularly concerned with whether or not you like me, because I live to like you ." He holds Andie responsible for his happiness and plays the victim.
Blane is willing to walk with Andie through the minefields of their respective social peers. He shoulders responsibility and tries to clear the way for a solid relationship with Andie. He cracks under that weight. Later he tells Andie "I believed in you, I always believed in you. It was you who didn't believe in me." That's when Duckie realizes Blane is the better man. What will Duckie do about that?
Blane is willing to walk with Andie through the minefields of their respective social peers. He shoulders responsibility and tries to clear the way for a solid relationship with Andie. He cracks under that weight. Later he tells Andie "I believed in you, I always believed in you. It was you who didn't believe in me." That's when Duckie realizes Blane is the better man. What will Duckie do about that?