When it comes to finding that special person in our life, most of us still don’t know what we want in a relationship or who to be with. But you can always count on fictional characters for inspiration. They teach us how to love, cherish, go for what we want and never give up. Whether you’re single, taken or that in-between stage, these TV and movie couples for sure gave you relationship goals and taught you a thing or two about relationships.
1. Topanga and Cory – Boy Meets World
For anyone who grew up watching this show, these two gave us (almost) unreachable relationship goals while also giving us hope that you could find “The One” early on in life. Even now in “Girl Meets World” (the spin-off to Boy Meets World) this OTP (One True Pairing) is still going strong.
2. Jim and Pam – The Office
From co-workers to best friends to a relationship that warms everyone’s heart, Jim and Pam showed us that patience is key when getting what you want; that you need to find somebody who will stick by you when times get tough; and to never lose your sense in humor.
3. Blair and Chuck – Gossip Girl
This fabulous couple shows that love comes in unconventional ways and that something hot and steamy can actually lead to a lifetime of love for each other. Sometimes it makes you do crazy things and you fall in love with somebody you never thought you would have.
4. Marshall and Lily – How I Met Your Mother
Marshall and Lily taught us that it is possible to find “The One” in college, that spending a lot of time together is not such a bad thing and that all the happy moments outweigh the silly fights.
5. Ron and Hermione – Harry Potter
Besides going to Hogwarts (ultimate goal) and helping Harry defeat the Dark Lord, these two taught us that differences can be put aside. They challenged each other and made each other see things from different perspectives.
6. Gus and Hazel – The Fault In Our Stars
This heart-wrenching movie gave us a few things to strive for in a relationship: never deny yourself from beautiful things; falling in love is like falling asleep- slowly then all at once; and even though you don’t think you matter, you do and somebody feels that you do.
7. Noah and Allie – The Notebook
One of the most notable Nicholas Spark’s book-to-movie couples, these two showed us love can last a lifetime. You can keep falling in love with the same person over and over again, but you can’t force them to love you.
8. Dylan and Jamie – Friends with Benefits
We all wish for a casual hook-up to end up like this. Their relationship shows the reality that feelings can change, even with a set of rules. Sometimes you have to throw out the rules to be truly happy with your relationship.
9. Mitch and Cam – Modern Family
Raising children can be tough and these two do a wonderful job at it, teaching their child to live more open-mindedly. The two really compliment each other and work together like a machine.
10. Nick and Jess – New Girl
It may not always be a bad thing to fall for somebody you live with. Nick and Jess showed us that close quarters could turn into something magical and fun. They also showed us the importance of friendship within a relationship: it may not always be smooth sailing and goofy moments, but you really have to work for it.
11. Leslie and Ben – Parks and Recreation
These two support each other through absolutely everything, from ups to the downs. They taught us to go for your dreams and to support your significant other’s dreams, too. It also doesn’t hurt to love their butt.
12. Andy and April – Parks and Recreation
Opposites do attract when it comes to Andy and April. Despite being complete opposites, they bring out the best in each other. The way they expressed their love for each other (even in the weirdest ways) warmed our hearts.
13. Piper and Alex – Orange is the New Black
Even in unfortunate (or fortunate) circumstances, the passion between these two is dynamic. Sometimes it may come out as hatred. But in the end, they’re both there for each other, even when things get tough.
14. Troy and Gabriella – High School Musical
It’s been 10 years and maybe you’re still waiting for that moment where you meet the love of your life at a ski lodge while singing karaoke. Either way, Troy and Gabriella gave our teen hearts goals when going into high school. Not to mention they made dancing and singing in the rain look flawless.
15. Spencer and Toby – Pretty Little Liars
Despite anything from the new season, these two were one of the original OTP’s that held on through the seasons. Spoby brought us into an emotional rollercoaster from the very beginning. They showed us to look for the best in people, even when you have your doubts, and to always have each other. The truth may hurt but it is for the better. You have to defend the things and people you believe in, despite the odds.
16. Hanna and Caleb – Pretty Little Liars
Speaking of PLL couples, Hanna and Caleb make the list. These two were there for each other even at their most vulnerable. They showed us the lengths one can go to keep their significant other safe. Also, falling for the bad-boy type isn’t always such a fluke.
17. Tom and Summer – (500) Days of Summer
This is where the IKEA date really comes into play. Their relationship gave us a fresh perspective on dating. You can fall in love with somebody who isn’t right for you and it isn’t such a bad thing. Also, sometimes relationship goals aren’t really the goals you need in your life at the moment, and that’s okay.