“Friends” premiered nearly 24 years ago, and through its 10 seasons, we have seen Monica, Chandler, Rachel, Phoebe, Joey and Ross suffer through the ups and downs of life. Many people consider the sitcom to be one of the greatest television shows of all time and that is because its lessons that it has taught viewers transcend time.
Here are just a few things we’ve learned from watching “Friends.”
1. There’s a whole new chapter of life that begins after college
They say that college is the “best four years of your life.” It can be daunting knowing that you’ll soon be graduating from the best time of your life only to enter the “real world.” These are the things we hear, but what do they really mean? Take it as you will, but I’m here to tell you that college can include some of the best years of your life, but you may find that many of the best years of your life don’t begin until after college.
2. You will meet some of your best friends after college, too
Don’t get caught thinking that you have to find all of your lifelong friends in college, or that all of your college friendships have to be lifelong ones. Of course college provides an environment that allows young people to create strong bonds and lasting memories, but it’s the friendships and bonds that form and last while maintaining a life of your own that are just as special.
3. You never know who is going to walk into your life
Season one, episode one… When Rachel Green wanders into Central Perk and into the lives of Monica, Phoebe, Ross, Joey and Chandler. Completely out of the blue, in walks a runaway bride who will soon find her way into the hearts of five unsuspecting soon-to-be best friends. This is another way of saying “when one door closes, another door opens.” Let the concept of tomorrow be exciting, because you never know who or what it may bring.
4. The love of your life might just be one of your close friends
Monica Geller had always dreamed of the perfect wedding since she was a child. Her only worry? Finding the perfect groom. Little did she know, she would one day walk down the aisle into the arms of her best friend, Chandler Bing. The evolution of Monica and Chandler prove that you may not need to look far at all to find your person. Disclaimer: This is true in some cases. In other cases, it’s necessary to look far, far away from your friend group (~LOL~).
5. Life is filled with many opportunities
Each of the “friends” had been unemployed at one time or another. Nevertheless, their perseverance conquered. Monica went from being a waitress at Moondance Diner to head chef at Javu, Chandler’s unpaid internship turned into a full-time job, and Rachel went from being a waitress at Central Perk to an executive at Ralph Lauren. This is just another reminder that there is never a straight path to success.
6. It’s okay to be yourself
Life is so much easier when you feel comfortable being yourself. Don’t worry though, it may take some time to find who you truly are, but when you’re surrounded by people who love you for who you are, it makes the journey of life much more enjoyable.
7. Don’t take life too seriously
Be silly. Stay up too late. Sneak out. Fail the midterm. Ask him out. Have one more drink. Make friendships. Create memories. Say yes to new adventures. Leave your comfort zone once in a while… and most importantly, learn from everything that you do. Find what works for you and go with it. Life is too short not to take chances.
8. You can find friends that turn into family
Even though you may not feel this way with your group of friends now, fear not, because one day down the road you might find yourself in a backyard firing up the grill and having a barbeque with your best friends and their kids, and you’ll realize that you’re all one big family.
9. Be clear on what you mean by “going on a break”
I think Ross and Rachel made this one pretty clear. If you’re having trouble deciding whether or not you want to break off a relationship, give yourself some time away from your significant other. This can be a confusing time for both parties involved, but to avoid making mistakes that can be detrimental to the relationship, make things clear. Say something like, “We’re still in a relationship, but I’d like to spend more time with myself to focus on me.”
10. It’s never too late
Although most of us try to play by a socially-constructed timetable, it’s never too late to start over or try something new in life.