On September 22, 1994, the show “Friends” premiered. For ten years, faithful viewers watched and lived through the laughs, tears, struggles, and successes of Ross, Monica, Joey, Rachel, Chandler, and Phoebe. 20 years later, it remains one of the most popular sitcoms in television history!
By Roxanne Elhachem
But why are people still attached to a show that finished over ten years ago? Shows have come and shows have gone, but the lessons and memories we have from Friends will forever stay in our hearts. Here are 10 life lessons from Friends.
1- Each and every one of us has a lobster
Just look at Ross and Rachel. Over the course of 10 years, they dated, broke up, dated, broke up, accidentally got married while drunk in Vegas, had a baby, and FINALLY realized that they were always meant for each other. As Phoebe said, “Come on you guys, it’s a known fact that lobsters fall in love and mate for life.” So obviously, with the lobster theory, all of us will someday find our lobster and live happily ever after!
2- It is never too late to run after your dream job
As we know, Chandler was pretty well off with his job, an executive specializing in statistical analysis and data reconfiguration. (NOT a “Transponster” – Sorry Rachel.) But he was never happy. Finally he realized he needed to do something he actually loved, and eventually went into advertising. He had to start from the bottom and worked his way to the top. So wherever you are in life, you can go back and achieve whatever you want.
3- Always be nice to people you encounter and get to know in life
In life, you’ll meet people you like and people you don’t like. But ALWAYS remember to keep a good reputation with them because you never know how they will appear in your life again. Rachel always picked on guest star Will, aka Brad Pitt, in high school, so he spread a rumor that went all around New York that she was “the hermaphrodite cheerleader” and revealed that to her when they reunited at Monica’s Thanksgiving dinner. Yikes!
4- Corrections to daily grammatical errors
When writing a powerful letter, whether it’s 18 pages, FRONT and BACK, always remember to spell check. Your vs. You’re. Or to WHOM you are writing to. No one wants to get called out or let people forget the message he/she is trying to send.
5- Make sure you know who you’re marrying… SAY THE RIGHT NAME
No one was a fan of Emily for Ross, especially when Rachel was still alive and in love with him. However, NO good can come from messing up the name of the person you are marrying, especially when delivering vows.
6- Unagi
Unagi is more than just a tasty sushi eel dish. It’s a state of total awareness that allows you to be prepared for any kind of potential danger coming your way. So if you’re going down a street by yourself or putting down your groceries on the counter, always pay attention to your surroundings!
7- How to save yourself (or a friend) from a jelly fish
For those of you who watch the Discover channel, like our dear friends Ross and Joey, you may have learned that the way to save someone from a jellyfish sting is to pee on them. It will mostly likely be an extremely awkward experience for you or your peeing “savior” and never be brought up in further conversation.
8- Make sure whatever you’re cooking makes sense
Beef is NEVER meant for a trifle dessert dishes. Even if the two pages in the recipe book are stuck together. Channel your inner Unagi or just use simple logic, I mean, unless you’re Joey, you’ll eat anything.
9- Friends are the family you choose
Best friends, if chosen well, will always be there for you, even when the rain starts to pour. They’ll be the ones to pull you up when you’re trying to be independent for the first time, make it big in the acting world, find your biological parents, get over marrying a lesbian, accept Thanksgiving as a holiday again, and move past being the schools big fat goalie.
10- Never try to hide a relationship from your friends
They’ll know that you know that they know that you know. It’s as simple as that. And as fun as the “knowing game” was and we all had our endless laughs, the easier way would’ve been to just be honest! They’ve supported you through all your other relationships, the good and bad ones. They’ll obviously be there for the real deal. Unless of course you wanted Phoebe to do her “flexible dance” for you again…
Bonus- It’s not Smelly Cat’s fault!
Smelly Cat, Smelly cat what are they feeding you? Smelly Cat, smelly cat it’s not your fault… They won’t take you to the vet. You’re obviously not their favorite pet. You may not be a bed of roses, And you’re no friend to those with noses. Smelly cat, smelly cat what are they feeding you? Smelly cat, smelly cat it’s not your fault!
! Now if you’ll excuse me, I have to go and check on my plane’s left phalange.
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