What I Learned From “Friends”
Back in the day, I had what one may have considered a sliiiiight obsession with the television show “Friends.”
Don’t believe me? Take a look at my bedroom door back at my parent’s house.
Why, yes. I did have a peephole drilled into it for effect.
Sadly, “Friends” went off the air in 2004. I was only 16 at the time, yet I vividly remember watching the last episode and feeling like the world was ending. (Gosh, I am such a drama queen.) Looking back, I struggle to understand how I truly believed that I could relate to the show and its characters at such a young age. I was only a teenager.
Now, as I’m rapidly approaching my mid-twenties — VOMIT EVERYWHERE — I’m coming to find a whole new appreciation for the show. I mean, I’m young. I work in New York City. I live in an apartment with my two best friends. I’m a stone’s throw away from most of my other best friends. As a group, we do dumb things. We laugh at things that probably aren’t funny. We suck at relationships. We screw up big time at work. Sometimes, we even fall in love with each other.
Honestly, my life is pretty much one “Central Perk” away from being a sitcom.
Me on THE orange couch back in 2008. Please excuse the bangs. I’m not quite sure what happened there.
This realization came to me a few weeks ago when I stumbled upon this hilarious article — Everything I Need to Know, I Learned From Ross and Rachel. Not only is the author my new favorite person in the entire world, every single piece of advice is so spot on.
Some of my favorites?
1. Sometimes, things take ten years.
2. There is importance in longevity. There is romanticism in turbulence. There is pride in effort. There is humility in forgiveness. There is not just one person for everyone, but there can be The One – the person you want to end up with. That is the lobster.
3. Never, ever drunk text.
Thanks for the reminder.
After reading this article, I went back and started re-watching the series from the beginning. I couldn’t help but laugh as I started realizing all of the other things that “Friends” has taught me, beyond just Ross and Rachel’s relationship.
1. You’re never too old for games or theme parties.
2. Let your best friends have their moments of happiness. Don’t steal their thunder.
3. Love happens when you least expect it. Don’t get discouraged. (If you’re really lucky, it will end up being your best friend.)
4. Breaking out in dance is always acceptable, no matter how old you are.
5. Taking care of pets is not easy. (Rest in peace, Marc and Jacob.)
6. Beef does not belong in any dessert.
7. Naps with your best friends are the best naps.
8. Cooking while excessively drinking never ends up well.
9. Some shoes are worth having in your closet, even if you can’t walk in them.
10. If you say you’re “fine,” you probably aren’t. (“MY FAJITAS!”)
11. Inevitably, there will be a time when you are completely broke. Try to make light of it.
And, finally:
12. Friends are the family you choose. They won’t ever replace your real family but, if you’re lucky, they’ll be by your side through it all: unemployment, being broke, dating, break-ups, relationships, family problems, weddings, babies, and everything in between.
Did you watch “Friends” growing up? What life lessons, if any, did it teach you?
okay I’ve been reading your blog for a little while now (let’s be honest I mainly started because we have the same name) but i think you’re hilarious and that we definetly have more in common than just our names – this solidified it, I’m a friends-a-holic too!
Thanks for coming out of hiding, name-twin! Glad to see I’m not the only “Friends” freak.
Love everything about this post:) Reminders like these are always good to look back on…even if they do come from a tv show. Doesn’t mean they aren’t true! Ps. Your life seems awesome. NYC? Live w/ best friends (who are dudes??? So much better!) Jay Z concert? Laga Gaga craziness? AWESOME LIFE. Enjoy it:)
Aw, Sarah, thanks for the sweet comment! I promise you that I’m enjoying life, and I hope you’re doing the same!
I’ve never commented before..just creeped from afar and via twitter but, I felt obligated to comment because this is probably my favorite post,ever. I too, thought the world was ending while I watched the finale in 04′, and own all the DVDs that run on repeat in the background. I even have a poster that lists ” Everything I know in life I learned from FRIENDS ” . So thank you, for making my day with this post
Thank you for commenting! I creepily stalk you on Twitter, also.
I threw a part on May 6th when “Friends” ended and it made the front page of my local paper. Soooo famous.
Thanks for reading!
“Cooking while excessively drinking never ends up well.”–I always seem to do this (and spill all over myself, obviously) when I’m wearing my nicest clothing. Apparently drunk me doesn’t realize how expensive dry cleaning can be!
I loved this post– your lessons made me smile and #12 especially resonated with me. Also, how has it been 8 years since Friends officially went off the air?! Add that to my list of “things that make me feel old at the ripe old age of 22″ (which also includes the fact that Eminem turned 40 yesterday. HOW??!)
My friend (who shall not be named) tried to cook a frozen pizza once while drunk, obviously, and fell asleep while it was in the oven. It cooked for 4 hours. I would show you the picture but it basically just looks like a picture of steaming black asphalt.
#12 was my favorite too. AND I KNOW! I FEEL SO OLD. AND I’M 24! AHHHHHH.
so much truth to this post. love it, as always.
Thanks, my dear! I don’t know whether I love the lessons or if I’m freaked out at how “old” I am!
You know I love this. That is all.
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