The One Where a ’90s Sitcom Became My Life Guide

via Warner Bros.

Friends, the beloved sitcom, was one many of us saw growing up and brought into adulthood, and I was the same; however, I had never seen it in full, so when my boyfriend suggested we watch the entire show, I was a little sceptical. I liked the bits and pieces I saw previously, but I wasn’t entirely convinced to watch the whole show.

However, I was later convinced. It wasn’t that difficult a decision, in fairness. Watching it as a 24-year-old, just about to turn 25, was strange because some of the characters were the same age as me. I did get a bit insecure when I was looking at it from that perspective because have you seen Monica’s apartment? Little did I know, it quickly became one of my favourite parts of our evenings.

Going into it, I wasn’t sure if it was going to just be a big-moment type of sitcom with a laugh track that tells you, “HEY, that was funny,” rather than a show with huge depth. That’s where I was completely wrong.

 

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Watching Friends made me realise and reflect on things, big and small, whether that was friendship, life, self-confidence, or how to navigate adulthood. Some lessons were silly, others were meaningful, but here are four in particular that resonate with me the most.

The small stuff is the big stuff

Obviously, Friends has its fair share of drama, excitement, and even sadness, and some stuff was relatable, others not so much. I mean, Ross alone could have had a sitcom about his life, poor fella. But what stood out to me throughout the ten seasons were the ordinary moments, ones we may see as mundane in our own lives.

For me, those were the best moments, and the most realistic ones were when they were just hanging out, whether that was in Joey and Chandler’s place or Central Perk. It showed the vulnerability of having your person or people and just being in their presence. Or like Rachel’s 30th birthday when everyone gathered in her and Joey’s place, and the group were sitting at a long table decorated with nostalgic decorations celebrating Rachel and her birthday.

Be yourself – even through the awkwardness

It’s worth being yourself; everyone has their own distinct style, personality, likes, and dislikes. Sometimes it is hard to feel like you can be yourself because of many internal and external factors, but it is worth it, and people will love you for being, well, the most authentic version of you. From the outside and even inside, this friend group is an eclectic mix that you probably wouldn’t ever put together in real life, but it works.

 

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Rachel is a fashionista, hard-working (after a while) and passionate, Phoebe is musical, witty, and mysterious, and Joey is confident, enthusiastic, and kind. This trio alone doesn’t sound like they’d go, but they do. Each character is so unique; they are messy, funny, and caring. No one is perfect, and just like in real life, you may disagree with your friends on certain decisions or opinions, but you both can hold your own opinions and still love each other.

Humour helps

Humour makes life more bearable, especially when life gets intense. Friends constantly remind you of that. Chandler in particular makes jokes at the seemingly wrong times, and yes, some are unfortunate, but they were meant with kind intentions. I am sure that we all see ourselves as Chandler and how he copes by using humour.

The group, in general, all use humour in some sort of way, whether it is as obvious as Joey’s cluelessness or Monica’s unexpected reactions. They aren’t dismissing the problems but using humour as a tool, sometimes to make it through some of life’s toughest moments.

Friendship is everything – in all its forms

Friendship goes for every type of connection: parents, siblings, partners, best friends, or even a neighbour that you share a simple smile or have a nice chat with. It is crucial to have people around you who let you be you, and you let them do the same. People who love you make life feel lighter and just support you, laugh, and cry with you.

 

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My circle is small, but my friends are my anchor, just like how Friends support each other. Watching Friends made me realise how lucky we are to experience these bonds, and while they might take a while to find, it’s worth it. Thank you to my gang for living these lessons together and just being the best people.

Watching all ten seasons of Friends reminded me why the show has endured for so long. It is genuinely funny, heartfelt, and dramatic. It’s a timeless series that is full of valuable lessons about life. It’s more than a sitcom; it’s a celebration and love letter to friendship.

So, thank you, Friends, for the laughter and lessons and for that little extra reminder of what is going great right now.

Words by EmilyRose Nulty