OK, it needs to be said: Ethan is actually the worst. Sure, he has a great head of hair and an impeccable jawline, but he never treats Lizzie or Miranda with the respect they deserve. When he gets paired with Miranda for a class project about marriage, he "cheats" on her with Kate and plans on dumping her in front of the entire class, and when Lizzie finally gets the courage to ask him to the school dance, he rejects her hard. He is perfectly fine flirting and stringing them along, but never wants to commit. Even Kate Sanders has a hard time locking him down throughout the show.
After falling for my fair share of Ethans when I was younger, I can see all the signs of Ethan's toxic masculinity much more clearly now. Lizzie and Miranda didn't love Ethan, they loved the idea of Ethan. My childhood crushes taught me valuable lessons, but most importantly they taught me what I don't want in a partner. As I get older, I want someone who is going to lift me up and support me. Great hair is just an added bonus!