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Culture > Entertainment

20 Reasons Phoebe Buffay is Your Spirit Animal

The 1990s were a versatile decade. The grunge music scene, the preppy fashion, the prime of Nickelodeon among all of the splendors of the ’90s, one icon rose to the top: Phoebe Buffay. It’s no secret that Friends is a tale for the ages. With the help of Netflix and the recent resurgence of ’90s culture, the next generation of young people can enjoy all the crazy antics and relatable love woes of this funky bunch of New Yorkers.

If you’ve been catching up on the Central Perk hijinks, then you know that one friend is funkier than the rest put together. The ever-zany Phoebe Buffay is a bundle of controlled chaos, sporadically unleashing the crazy on Manhattan. She’s a wild spirit that can’t be changed (mostly because no one really understands what’s going on under those flaxen locks). With creativity and compassion abundant, she makes for a fabulous confidant and artist. She knows how to say it like it is… or at least how she thought it was.

Sound familiar? There’s a slight chance you may be the Phoebe Buffay of your friend group.

1. Your style could be described as… eclectic


Phoebe Buffay wasn’t afraid of mixing and matching. Clogs and two vests over a floral dress and jeans? Free People would call it, “Fresh. New. Exciting. Buffay.”

2. You’re a frequent rider of the emotional roller coaster

You’re either bored out of your mind or tremendously enthusiastic about something. Until you’re concerned, in which case you’re FREAKING OUT.

3. You have a dark past

So what if Phoebe stems from a life of crime? Her street-cred is off the charts.

4. Planes make you nervous

What if something is wrong with the left phalange!?

5. You’re a creative genius and you know it (even if others don’t)

You like your art. Your friends like your art. Why shouldn’t everyone else?

6. Your friends never really know what goes on in your life when they’re not around

Your life is shrouded in mystery. No biggie.

7. You say it like it is

Whether it’s because you’re a terrible liar or you care too deeply for your friends to keep secrets, there’s no holding back.

8. You handle criticism well… or well enough

Haters gonna hate and smelly cats gonna smell. You roll with the punches. That is, until someone hits too hard too close to home, in which case you’re a weeping mess.

9. You have an identical evil twin

Her name doesn’t have to be Ursula, but that sure would be one heck of a coincidence.

10. You’re in love with Paul Rudd

I mean, who isn’t? Still, it could be a sign.

11. You’re quirky, yet surprisingly mature at times

Toss those locks and flash that million watt smile. You know how to turn on the charm when you need to, like after accidentally stabbing someone or spilling a jar of bean dip on the carpet.

12. You would do anything for your family

If they need to borrow socks, they got it. If they need to stay the weekend, they got it. If they need you to be the surrogate for their future children, better believe they got it.

13. Traditional formal education isn’t your thing


You believe in alternative methods when it comes to obtaining knowledge. Phoebe Buffay wouldn’t be able to speak French if it weren’t for the weekly meetings behind a dumpster with a group of inner city kids.

14. You tend to be the third wheel unless otherwise occupied

Having relationships within the friend group isn’t your thing. You’re always bringing someone new to the coffee table, whether your friends approve or not.

15. You have a unique perspective on life

Buffays say the darn’dest things.

16. You may hit a few road blocks…

*Shrugs.*

17. But you don’t let anything get you down for long!


Positivity is your thing.

18. Bad mojo is not your vibe

Just trying to keep the peace and be one with the universe, ya feel?

19. You have a wonderful way with words

Not everyone has the gift of twisting a devastating insult into a pleasant quip. Well done!

20. You’re a bit eccentric and don’t always fit in, but your friends wouldn’t want you any other way

Kooky times make for wild stories and the best memories. Being the Phoebe of your group is like being the life of the party and the entertainment.

If Phoebe Buffay is your spirit animal, you are one lucky mama-jama. Rock on, superstar, and just do you!

Hi there! My name is Gabrielle, and I'm the Editor/ Campus Correspondent for the Syracuse chapter of Her Campus! I am a sophomore Television, Radio, and Film major in the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications. I like traveling, cinematic classics, show tunes, long walks on the beach, chocolate, chocolate on the beach, and anything pink. Go 'Cuse! HCXO